By Bud Koenemund
A 100 Word Story
Inspired by Christina Alvarado
He’s always
there. Always following. Steadily gaining ground. Inexorably closing in.
Too often, he’s
forgotten in the rush of life – until he visits someone close, and we’re
reminded of the inevitability of things.
He arrives
without joy or malice. He makes no bargains for more time. He expects
acceptance, though he is never surprised when people attempt escape.
I turn quickly, trying
to catch a glimpse. He is standing in the shadows. Not hiding – that’s not his
way. Moonlight glints off the blade of his scythe.
“Memento mori,”
he whispers.
I give a knowing
nod, and turn to walk on.
