It had been a hard day. I was late to work, and on top of being yelled at by my boss, I spent the day being yelled at by customers.

Telephone tech support isn’t one of the best jobs. It takes a lot of internal positivity and the ability to understand that the person on the other end of the line isn't mad at you. They're just frustrated that the thing they expect to work isn't working.

That wouldn't have been so bad, but my lunch had been rendered inedible when I dropped it on my way to the table, and I didn't have any cash to spare on a second. Thankfully, one of my coworkers offered me half of their lunch after seeing my plight.

I was understandably grumpy when I got off late and made my way through the crowd on the street. I should have been off at 7, but my last call ran. It was going to be a run to catch my train.

The cross walk indicator turned green at the intersection before the subway, and I hurriedly stepped forward to cross, ignoring the blaring horns around me - just another day on the streets of the big city.

I stopped dead in my tracks to prevent myself from running over this tiny old woman trying to make her way across the street. From behind I could tell she was ancient - very likely a great Grandmother a few times over. She was bent in a way that said she’d been carrying the cares of the world for far too long, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. Her simple black dress only accentuated her frail form, and I felt guilty for not watching where I was going. From one arm dangled a beige macrame purse, while she leaned on the thin black cane in her other hand.

“Can I help you, ma’am?” I asked to alleviate some of my guilt.

“Oh, yes, please dear…” her voice crackled like a warm fire, and I smiled as I took her arm to escort her the rest of the way through the intersection. Her hands were frigid, pulling to mind the old saying ‘cold hands, warm heart’.

We reached the far side of the intersection, and I was just about to let her go.

“No need to rush, Elle. The train will be waiting for you,” her voice was quiet, but I froze in my tracks. How did she know my name?

I looked down into her face - wrinkled like a poorly folded road map - and into the grass green eyes. I opened my mouth, but again her quiet voice crackled forth.

“You don't have far to go, and it will be nice when you get there, I assure you.” She smiled warmly up at me and patted the hand that still rested on her arm. I felt myself begin to panic, but at the same time the warm green of her eyes seemed to soothe me.

I looked up and over her, glancing back over the intersection, and I realized there was some sort of commotion. People were gathered near the other side, surrounding someone on the ground as a small sanguine rivulet began working its way down the pavement. A vehicle was pulled up on the curb a few feet beyond, the driver stepping out with a look of fear and worry on their face.

From between the gathered onlookers - one or two of which appeared to be performing first aid - I saw a rather distinct pair of bright pink sneakers. Slowly my eyes fell to my own feet, as if to confirm that they matched the pair I put on this morning.

“I know it's a surprise, dear, it always is. No one is ever prepared. But here, let me help you. I will be your guide.”

Suddenly, the roles were reversed as I let her lead me forward. I felt small as I held onto this ancient lady. She led me onward as the sounds of the world began to fade away, the world around us turning gray.

I was scared, and clung to Lady Death as I would have my own grandmother, and the tiny, frail, immortal being led me from this plane and into a new existence.