Each week, I send out a story via my email newsletter. Each story is around 1000 words, sometimes less, sometimes more. The stories are in a variety of genres: supernatural, thriller, sci-fi, horror, and sometimes romance, and all of my stories typically feature a gay protagonist.
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This is story number 12 of the series. Enjoy!
The Hitchhiker’s Deal
Joel drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his excitement building as he cruised down the lonely highway. Spring break was finally here, and he couldn’t wait to hit the beach with his friends. The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks, and Joel felt a sense of freedom wash over him.
As he rounded a bend, he spotted a figure on the side of the road, thumb outstretched. Joel hesitated for a moment, but his kind nature got the better of him. He slowed down and pulled over.
The hitchhiker was a tall, lean man with striking features and eyes that seemed to hold secrets. Joel’s heart skipped a beat as he rolled down the window.
“Where you headed?” Joel asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
The stranger smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. “Wherever you’re going, if you don’t mind the company.”
Joel’s gut told him to drive away, but something about the man was irresistible. He unlocked the door. “Headed to Harrington Beach.”
“That’s perfect,” the man said.
“Hop in, then. I’m Joel, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Joel. You can call me Mort,” the hitchhiker said as he slid into the passenger seat.
As they drove, Joel couldn’t help but steal glances at Mort. There was something otherworldly about him, something that both attracted and unnerved Joel.
“So, what brings you out here?” Joel asked, trying to break the awkward silence.
Mort chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Joel’s spine. “Oh, you know, just passing through. Always on the move, me. And you? Off to celebrate spring break, I imagine?”
Joel nodded. “Yeah, meeting some friends at the beach. Should be a blast.”
“Ah, youth,” Mort said wistfully. “Always in such a hurry to live life to the fullest.”
Something about the way he said it made Joel uneasy, especially given that the man didn’t seem to be much older than Joel. He tried to shake off the feeling, focusing on the road ahead.
As they drove, the sky grew darker, and storm clouds began to gather. Joel frowned, checking his GPS. “That’s weird. We should have reached the next town by now.”
Mort leaned back in his seat, looking completely at ease. “Time has a funny way of stretching when you’re in good company, doesn’t it?”
Joel’s unease grew. He glanced at his phone, but there was no signal. The storm was getting worse, rain pelting the windshield.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the middle of the road. Joel swerved, the car spinning out of control. They careened off the road, tumbling down an embankment before coming to a crashing halt against a tree.
Joel’s head was spinning, blood trickling down his face. He turned to check on Mort, but the passenger seat was empty. Panic set in as Joel struggled to unbuckle his seatbelt.
A tap on the window made him jump. Mort stood outside, completely unscathed, rain not seeming to touch him at all.
“Need a hand?” Mort asked, his voice muffled through the glass.
Joel nodded, too shocked to speak. Mort opened the door with ease, despite the mangled frame.
As Joel stumbled out of the wreck, he realized they were no longer on the highway. They stood in a misty clearing, surrounded by twisted, ancient trees.
“Where… where are we?” Joel stammered.
Mort’s smile widened, taking on a predatory edge. “Oh, Joel. I think you know. Deep down, you’ve always known.”
Realization dawned on Joel, cold fear gripping his heart. “You’re… you’re Death, aren’t you?”
Mort, or Death, gave a theatrical bow. “At your service.”
Joel’s mind raced. This couldn’t be happening. “Shit! Am I… am I dead?”
Death tilted his head, considering. “Not yet. But you’re at a crossroads, Joel. Your life hangs by a thread.”
Joel’s legs gave out, and he sank to the ground. “I don’t want to die,” he whispered.
Death knelt beside him, his expression softening. “Few do. But I’m not here to take you, Joel. Not if you don’t want to go.”
Joel looked up, hope flickering in his eyes. “What do you mean? You’ll let me live?”
Death stood, offering his hand to Joel. “Walk with me.”
As they strolled through the misty forest, Death explained, “I’ve been watching you, Joel. Your kindness, your compassion. The world needs more people like you.”
Joel’s brow furrowed. “So why are you here?”
Death’s eyes glimmered with an otherworldly light. “I’m here to offer you a deal. A second chance, if you will.”
“What kind of deal?” Joel asked, wary but intrigued.
Death’s expression turned serious. “You live, but in exchange, you become my reaper. Your job will be to help souls transition from life to death.”
Joel’s eyes widened. “You mean… I’d be taking people’s lives?”
Death shook his head. “Not exactly. Moments before their destined death, you’ll touch them and gently pull their souls from their bodies. This way, they avoid the trauma of their actual death. It’s a kindness, Joel.”
Joel’s mind reeled. “So I’d be… easing their passing?”
“Precisely,” Death nodded. “And there’s more. You’ll have the ability to grant more time to those you deem deserving. But use this power wisely – every action has consequences.”
Joel thought about the responsibility this role would entail. “What about my own life? My friends, my family?”
“You’ll still live your life, grow old, and eventually die,” Death assured him. “But you’ll carry this sacred duty. Your loved ones won’t know about your role, of course. To them, this accident will just be a close call.”
Joel took a deep breath, weighing his options. The burden seemed immense, but the idea of helping people in their final moments and potentially saving deserving lives was compelling.
“I… I’ll do it,” Joel said, his voice trembling slightly.
Death’s smile was solemn. “I knew you would.” He extended his hand. “Do we have a deal?”
Joel hesitated for a moment before grasping Death’s hand. A jolt of energy surged through him, and the world around them began to fade.
“Remember, Joel,” Death’s voice echoed as the mist enveloped them. “This is a grave responsibility. Treat each soul with compassion.”
Joel groaned, his eyes fluttering open. He was back in his car, the airbag deflated in front of him. Rain pattered on the roof, but the storm was passing. In the distance, he could hear sirens approaching.
As a paramedic helped him out of the car, Joel caught a glimpse of a familiar figure standing at the edge of the trees. Mort – Death – gave him a small nod before vanishing into the shadows.
Joel took a shaky breath, feeling the weight of his new purpose settle on his shoulders. As the paramedic checked him over, Joel’s eyes were drawn to an old man in the gathering crowd of onlookers. A faint, ghostly aura appeared around the man, signaling his impending death.
Without thinking, Joel reached out and touched the man’s arm as he passed. He felt a strange sensation, as if something ethereal passed through his fingers. The old man’s eyes widened for a moment, then relaxed into a peaceful expression.
“Are you alright, son?” the old man asked, his voice calm. “That was quite an accident.”
Joel smiled, a mix of emotions swirling within him. “I’m fine, sir. And… and so are you.”
As the ambulance doors closed, Joel leaned back, his mind racing with the enormity of his new role. Spring break might be a bust, but he had a higher calling now – to guide souls gently into the afterlife and, when possible, grant the gift of more time.
The End