merchant of death

There you are, he said and grinned. Long time not seen. I skip the question "how do you do" since the answer doesn't matter for the merchant of death.

Is it time I asked, what's the date, not that it matters since you've been there for the biggest part of my life during the mainly bad times you helped me through.
Tell me Death... Why did you leave me?

Did I? I can't remember besides I found you a new guy. Where is he?

I reached for his hand and felt how he held mine. The voices continued, but all I wanted was peace of mind and some health, how come my knees felt that cold?

Do you want me to take your coat off, a voice said. Such a stupid question, I was starving to death.

The merchant of Death did a step backwards or so, at least I could no longer see or feel him. Holding the hand of the one and only, that one I reached for in mine was all I wanted. He must be scared. I waited for his voice, the sound of home while my hand slowly let go of his and I felt his loneliness while his heart seemed to scatter.

No way I would let go of him again. I couldn't stand up, but reached further and held my devil's hand, like he held mine.

_{30.10.25
Prompt: see title or @daily.prompt
The photo was taken by me}