268 Chess

 "Staxius," 

 "Yes?" startled, the mind came to.

 "He's conscious, I've done all that is within my power. He might be a little tipsy and weakish, just take care," with a pat, the doctor headed off. 

 "Thanks again," to which she faded into the hall crawling with patients.

 'Time hasn't caught up to her,' he breathed, '-still the lady I remember from memory,' with a push, the door opened. 

 "Who's there?" hidden behind a curtain, a voice asked.

 "Death, I've come to take thine life, little one," spoken in a deep and menacing accent, the curtain parted suddenly.

 "I've not gotten married yet, please, let me live," came a reply, monotonous and uninterested, the gaze remained firm.

 "Good to see you're doing better," closing the curtains, Staxius sat and asked normal questions to how the man felt.