Come With Me

This tale is dedicated to my teacher, Igor Ivanovich Ilyin. He loved volleyball very much.
Wherever you are, I think you have a ball there.

Just beyond the wasteland, the mountains begin. Their ridges stretch far in different directions. And if you look from a distance, for example, from a mill, one ridge looks like Fred. But Fred doesn't know about this because he's never been to the mill. On the other side, Darty, who lives at the mill, doesn't know about this because he's never seen Fred. But this story isn't about them.

There are caves in the mountains. The Ancient Rickes live in caves. Rickes don't like to die because they find Death boring. The Rickes believe Death has nothing to offer them. However, Death walks from cave to cave, like a wandering merchant, promising the Rickes all sorts of benefits, inviting them with magic stories about the Other World, but always leaving with nothing. Rickes are indifferent to her gifts. But Death doesn't give up.

Often, Death climbs the highest mountain to the Most Ancient Rick. "Come with me," she repeats over and over. But Most Ancient Rick always finds excuses. Sometimes, he claims he's waiting for his students, although Death knows very well his students have grown up long ago. On other Death visits, Most Ancient Rick writes a book for posterity, although Death is sure the elder has already written and read all the books. She knows Most Ancient Rick is exhausted, but he's stubborn, great and wise. He doesn't want to follow her without getting anything in return.

Death is grey-haired, like the greyest old lady in the world, but she's beautiful, like the most wonderful maiden in the universe. Most Ancient Rick admires her when she talks to him but doesn't fall for her charm. In the place where they go, he'll remain alone because Death will go to collect other souls. But what will remain for him then?

One day, he tells Death about his fears, and she's surprised. She doesn't understand why he doesn't want to be alone. After all, the Most Ancient Rick is lonely even now. He explains to her he has exceptional fun with her visits.

So when Death comes next time, she has an ace up her sleeve. "Come with me, and I'll give you any amusement," she says. Most Ancient Rick laughs, asking if she gives her word he won't be bored.

Death makes a promise without hesitation. She feels like she's winning. So Rick remembers when he was tiny: he loved to play ball. "Come with me, you'll have a ball!" exclaims Death. And Most Ancient Rick agrees. He rises to his feet, takes Death by the hand, and they leave the cave. They slowly pass by other caves, followed by the puzzled glances of other Rickes. Death is silent because she's satisfied. The Most Ancient Rick is also quiet. He has the ball and the promise. And he knows the ball is fun when played by two.