The figure returned to its original position, holding the scythe, about to kill. I had a plan. Shuddering, I looked this Grim Reaper in the eye, and spoke, "Dad, I know you are in there somewhere and I am terribly sorry I have wronged you. I am thankful that you sent all those signs, all those cuts and scars, through my body to make me feel the pain you had gone through." My eyes became blurred with tears but I forced myself to continue on, "Dad, I am so sorry. I have committed so many sins and utterly failed you. I repent. I do not expect you to forgive me and I deserve nothing less than the fiery gates of hell. Please, just take me there."

I finished my speech, waited for eternal suffering, but nothing happened. I wiped away my tears and looked up, and saw my dad's familiar face in replacement of the Grim Reaper's. Smiling faintly, like he did the last time I saw his physical body, he touched and freed me of the chains, the chains of sin that tied me up so tightly, and said, "It's okay Lena. I forgive you. Your chains have been broken by repentance. You shall not suffer anymore. Lena, I love you. Now I guide you back to the path of light." Welling up again, I ran to my father and hugged him firmly, never wanting to let go, even as I drifted back into the real world. I woke up right before sunrise with a new strength, and walked out smiling, going to another day of work.