First Place
All the Stars in the Sky
Keagan O’Riley
Death stands in the middle of the street and watches the rain fall. Around him, humans scurry from one sidewalk to the next, carrying their umbrellas like shields above their heads. If one passed too close, a cold chill would shiver down their spine and they’d start walking a little faster. If they noticed something amiss, they revealed nothing. If they saw him standing in the rain, they didn’t react. No matter how many humans pass him, no matter how close they get, they never so much as glance his way. There was only one human who had ever noticed him. Death often wonders about her. He wonders what she’s doing and who she’s with at that moment. He wonders how many tears she’s shed since the last time they met or if she’s happy. But mostly he wonders if she ever thinks about him. Death stares down at the puddles collecting by his feet, counting the raindrops as they fall from the sky. The streetlight turns green above his head, but he doesn’t notice. He is not the only one. Somewhere in the distance, sirens begin to wail. 79
