Prompt and Circumstance

Prompt fell back unto the grass, staring up at the dark night sky. Not a star could be seen through the clouds. And, as if on que, a single raindrop fell upon his face, landing in the corner of his eye and slowly flowing alongside his nose and across his cheek, as a tear would. Lightning pierced the sky, and the first raindrop was followed by thousands, bringing sweet sound to the eery silence. His bright blue eyes clouding over as happier times danced before them, Prompt began whistling. It was a happy tune, the same as the one that had played when he had met her. She would be save now. Those who had wanted to hurt her were now dead, their corpses surrounding him. And soon he, the only one left who could bring her pain, would join them. He smiled, laughing up as the storm as he heard soft footsteps treading on the grass.
"So you have come," Prompt murmured as hooded face loomed above him.
"Aye. I have. So you have died," the deep, rasping voice replied.
"Aye," Prompt sighed, "I have. Far sooner than I had planned. But, what can one do about such things."
"Yes," the voice said thoughtfully, "What can one do indeed. Have you done what I asked?"
"Are you blind?" Prompt asked bitterly, "Look around. They are all dead. I have done what you asked. Your daughter is safe."
The cloaked figure nodded sagely, "She will mourn your death. I have seen it."
Prompt sighed, "Why are you telling me this? It doesn't make leaving her behind any easier."
Prompt had begun to feel weak and cold. Slowly, he could sense the life slipping out of him. It wouldn't be long now, he thought. If only he could have seen her face, one last time.
"Tell me," the Reaper said, bending low over Prompt as his body became could and stiff, "Do you love her? Answer quickly, for your time in this world is almost up."
"That's a stupid question," Prompt spat.
"Perhaps, but it still requires an answer."
Prompt had gone beyond feeling cold. Instead, he felt nothing. No cold. No pain. No regret. Only a small, fluttering warmth in the center of his chest. Her face appeared in front of him. Slowly and shakily, he raised his hand to stroke her cheek.
"Yes," he murmured, a real tear escaping him now.
Bones creaked as the figure stood, cackling with laughter.
"Good. That will be enough, for now. It is alright for you to let go now. Sleep. You have done well."