I first met the reaper when she came for my hamster, it was a calm normal Wednesday afternoon. Poor Snuffie died when I was five, about a year after I had gotten him. Then, at the funeral, a nice old lady with purple hair tied up in a bun appeared.

She wore a pleasant smile on her face that warmed me up to the bone, it was quite contagious-even during such a sullen event. Her black eyes had a silver ring of color outlining her pupils, giving her eyes a supernatural look. Her outfit looked loose yet sophisticated and expensive- almost like a mix of both formal and comfort. The black leggings could be considered pantyhose, but they could also be called yoga pants. Her black dress could be called a nightgown or a short ball gown.

She was nice, gave me a hug and said it would be all right, her joyous tone made me believe her without a doubt. Then she touched my dear hamsters cardboard coffin and he popped right out - no one ever believes me - he was a pale blue- almost silver, and transparent. He scampered around and went higher into the sky with each step of his tiny paw, I watched until I could no longer see him.

The old lady looked down at me a smiled. Her eyes brought me comfort and she said "Don't cry dearest, you mustn't cry. One day I'll come see you again, everything will be all right in the end."

I smiled and looked up at her. I dried my damp cheeks and whiped away the tears still in my eyes. She bent down, still beaming at me, and patted my shoulder, "That's better." She said in a whispered tone that made me want to smile a bigger grin. She used her thumb to swipe a stray tear off my face.

I hugged her, even though I didn't know her. She held on tightly and made me feel safe. Thats all I remember of our first encounter, I don't remember letting go of her sweet perfume scented dress, I don't remember releasing my arms- which clung to her. All I remember was hugging her and then waking up the next morning with a reassurance that everything would be okay.

Everything would not be okay.