Freedom of choice.

You gulped, in turn feeling the knife scrape your skin. "Why exactly am I dying? Do I have some type of disease? Am I being targeted by someone?"

The supposed Death God chuckled. "Why should I sate your curiosity? It does not matter how― the issue still stands. You're about to die. I am under instruction to honor your wishes, within reason, until you pass on."

"Oh. Hm, which one hurts the most?"

"Probably the knife."

You frowned in contemplation. I guess I deserve it for what I did before. "That's a tough decision. While I'm thinking about it, why not take a walk with me? There's a place I came here to see, and I don't want to forget it. Is that okay?"

The mysterious man looked to the sky for answers, then nodded. "That is acceptable." He removed his weapons from your body and stepped back.

You grabbed his hand and gestured towards the hill. The autumn leaves pulled your eyes to the familiar place. "Follow me. Since death is inevitable, I at least want to choose my area of demise."

Both of you walked in silence. Only the crunching of fallen leaves under your feet could be heard in the otherwise silent park. You sighed as the wind pushed your hair in front of your face. "I really enjoy it here. You caught me at a good time; I was planning to disappear soon anyways." You ducked your head down to avoid what you assumed to be the god's sympathetic gaze.

He stayed silent, making you glance back in curiosity. Instead of pity, his face remained emotionless. "That's good, then. Now hurry up; I want to get this over with."

You couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm glad you aren't looking at me with scary eyes like the others. Though, there's nothing scarier than death, I suppose. After all, I..." you trailed off to catch your breath after reaching the top of the hill.

"So this is it. What you wanted to see?" His voice was airy as he absorbed the magnificent sight. An abundance of trees colored with hues of crimson, violet, gold and orange stood before you, seeming to stretch past the horizon.

You nodded and smiled at him, then took a step forward. "This is far enough. You don't deserve to be sullied with my blood. I don't want your knife, gun, or any other weapon you may have, to be tainted by my sins. Therefore," you stepped forward once more, "I bid you farewell."

He said something, but the words remained unheard when you jumped. Your eyes closed as the tears falling off your face glistened under the sunset. This was what I wanted to see.