The Grim Reaper Tales

If I could remember the very first time that I’ve ever encountered a near death experience was when I accidentally overdosed in my girlfriend’s; Kristin bathroom. I was at the lowest point of my life and I was facing every dilemma anyone can imagine. Failed decisions making and mistakes that I've made on my behalf; seemed to follow me wherever I go. I knew that the life I was living, wasn’t on a straight and narrow path and one day it was going to catch up with me eventually. It was only a matter of time; in fact, he came today. His name is Damon; at least that’s the name he told me to call him.

He would constantly come around whenever I was in despair or doing something that was unconventional. My thoughts would always pondered away, thinking as if I was daydreaming or awake during those time of events. In the midst of fear and puzzling thoughts I always got a friendly reminder that it was my time to depart from earth. This wasn’t the first time I saw him; he came to me when I was a child during a very tremulous time in my life. And it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Sam drifts off...

Sam is twisting and turning in his sleep. Flashback of his childhood comes to his mind. Just coming home from school. It was always exhausting as Sam remembers. Having to ride the bus home from school every day; with a bunch of kids who constantly picked on him. Hey dad I’m home! He drops his bag in the corner by the door. No response…Dad are you home? I was wondering if I could play some drums in the basement. Walking towards the kitchen. He sees his dad under the kitchen sink. Sam my boy, sorry about that I was fixing the kitchen sink.

Bobby comes up off the floor to give his son a hug. How was school today? "Same ole same, just found out that I will be joining my school basketball team this year." replied Sam. And I have been studying a lot more for my first exam in Bio-Science. Speaking to his dad with uncertainty. Wow that’s fantastic news Sam. I couldn’t be prouder of you. You have adjusted so much from us relocating and just getting back on track. "And I know it hasn’t been an easy journey to be perfectly honest with you, but you seem to fit in quite well." Bobby said. Thanks! Yeah, I’ve noticed that I’ve been working out on my goals more consistently and what I want for my future. Look at you, already planning for your future. That’s a mindset and go getter of a Spencer. Always ready and on the go.

I just want to get into a good college so I rather push forward and get a head start. Anything new with your job promotion as a Landscaper for Housing and Architecture? I know you were going to try out for a new position, any word back from your boss? “Absolutely, I’m working with a major new client that is reconstructing everything from the ground up, there's going to be some major improvements around their house this week.” responded his dad. You should see the landscape and architecture details this guy wants to build, it’s the most complex one I've ever done this far. Really, that’s so amazing dad. I’m so proud of you! Sam leans over to give his dad a gentle hug. "Thank you, have you been playing any of your music lately. I know that you stopped for a while because of school." Bobby responded. I was just thinking about that as I walked into the house.

It has been a while since I've played anything. And I’m pretty sure you miss me drowning out your ear bells with heavy guitar strings like the band Metallica. Sam says with an outburst of laughter. My drum skills have been getting better. "Oh yeah, then I’ll definitely check it out later." replied his dad. "What time is mom coming home tonight?" asked Sam. "She should be home around eight. And I’ll be serving my favorite dish for tonight; Garlic mashed potatoes with lemon Salmon alongside of oven roasted vegetables. How does that sound?" said Bobby. To be perfectly honest dad, you’re an amazing cook. Sometimes I feel like you should’ve opened up your own restaurant business.

Well son, that kind of industry takes a lot of dedication and teamwork, which is something I don’t have in terms of building a team. "You have me and mom, you can start from there." said Sam. That’s very considerate Sam, maybe I’ll think about it.” he says with a pleasant smile. It started to get late and I realized that I haven’t even started my thesis for Psychology and I had two exams for my Bio-Science class that I needed to study for this week. Rushed upstairs to get into the shower. My thoughts were very much racing from the idea of getting my work done in a decent time.

For some odd reason I was never good at time management.

Taking a hot shower was very much needed for tonight. Reached over to moisturize my skin, found out that I really enjoyed my new skin care regiment from time to time. Got dressed and went straight to my books. The reading material for my Psychology class was an easy read, the first few pages were very informative, however the writing part not so much. I drifted off a bit as my mind wondered about where my life was heading up until this very moment.

The goal is to get really good grades I kept telling myself, graduate with honors and hopefully get accepted to a great college along with a scholarship. Still was undecided about the major I wanted to get into but Aerospace and Astrology did come to mind. A loud sound rings off. Sam jumps up and stumbled onto the floor out of his bed. As he reaches up to stop the alarm, he realizes that he was dreaming. This dream felt different from the rest as if some bits of it seemed to intertwined into my reality.

When I woke up all I can remember was passing out on my desk table in my room. And now walking up to the loud belching sounds of my dad. Hmmm was it all just a dream I kept overthinking. Sam! yelled his dad. You’re going to be late for school buddy, I need you down here asap. I quickly got up and rushed into the bathroom, tidy myself up a bit, got dressed and headed downstairs. "Good morning, Dad." I said a bit out of breath. "Hey Buddy, I was calling you for a while now, knocking at your door with no answers. Is everything okay? Bobby said it with quite some concern.

I wanted to lie because I knew that this time, he would realize that there was something really concerning about my behavior. "Umm yeah dad, I must’ve fell asleep with my music and earbuds in." Sam replied nonchalantly. I'm sorry about that. "Well, make sure you take everything off before you go to bed son, you had me worried for a sec. I understand the pressure of wanting to cram all of your work at the same time. But you have to take it easy Sam before you crash out." Bobby said. "Sure dad, I’ll take note of that next time." Sam responded. The walk to the bus this morning was quite the walk for me at least. I was still under the slight illusion of whether I was dreaming or not.