Harlow's Taking

She lived all of her life avoiding Death, but knowing that she belonged with since the day she was conceived.

Death takes us all one day or the next; she has a list and our taking is scheduled, but most of the times we are not prepared to embrace her. Harlow’s taking was scheduled for when she was in her mother’s womb. The abortion was not effective and she was taken to a foster home. There, when she was 5, she decided to fly jumping from a swing when she was the highest. Death held her arms open to take her, when a young man took Her place and was able to catch Harlow before falling. Death stared at them, in shock that she was fooled by this small girl and then there was a smirk in her lips: “We shall see.”

The third time that Harlow fooled Death was when she was 12 years old. This time, she saw Her face to face.

“You really are a cunning girl, are you not?”

“I know who you are and I am not afraid” said the child.

“Ha! Why should you, Harlow?” she caressed Harlow’s face, “With me you will be safer than ever.”

Harlow gave thought to this, but being so young she did not get the absolute message. The girl grew up to be a leader; she was smart, very independent and loved to take care of others. At the age of 25 she was already professing a career and marrying Caesar. Her husband was the only person that took care of her; she would not let anyone else do so. They adopted a little boy a year after, who was much beloved.

One morning, the young woman and Caesar found out the reason of his pain and endless couching of blood. Harlow had never cried so hard in her life, however, she decided to take action in the matter and work harder to take care of him and better his health.

Christmas passed, and the family was having such memorable moments. The kid’s voice was changing, and his dad was making fun at him. They both laughed and Harlow was so happy with her two favorite people in the world. They both stayed at the hospital for some days, giving Caesar all the love they could.

Caesar was released from the hospital and went back home. Things where better for the family, until something much disastrous happened: Harlow and Caesar’s child had a horrible accident on his bike. Caesar held him, while Harlow desperately called the ambulance. Then she saw Her, approaching. Harlow shook her head, “No… NO!”

“I must,” Death said.

“You bitch! I won’t let you take my child!” Harlow cried holding her boy.

The boy glanced at his mother, and the light of his eyes faded. Death felt the grief at heart, “I am not the One who schedules the takings, I am sorry.” And she left.

After the funeral, Harlow lost her appetite. She did everything she could to take care of Caesar, but she could barely take care of herself. She then became ill because of her sorrow and, once more, got a visit from Death. Harlow’s stare was blank; she did not care Death was near.

“You can take me, if that’s what you come for”

“Not at all,” Death sat on Harlow’s bed side “I came to tell you this is not your moment to die and still it is what you long for. I came to give you the choice to live and get your things in order”.

Harlow stared at Her with hate.

“… You still have your husband”.

Harlow made the effort to look a Death in the eye acknowledge what She said. It was true that she still had Caesar, whom she loved very much and shared her sorrow. She decided that it was time to take control again and go to her husband. His eyes where puffy, and the energy in the room was low. Harlow threw herself on him and he embraced her so strongly that it was surprising that there was even that kind of energy left. The next couple of days they gave each other support and love… until Death had her final visit. They were sleeping when She took them both. Harlow woke up in a different place, and saw her child; her husband beside them both. Harlow would have loved that her child had lived and her husband, but she was no longer infuriated with Death; instead, she greeted her old friend and enjoyed with her family in the Heavens; where their love was infinite and time did not exist.