Death and the Maiden

Who wouldn’t cry when they realize that they are dead? The capital beyond twilight is full of nocturnal birds squealing annoyingly on electricity poles. Who would have known that they were Messengers of Death who perform music to send souls to the underworld? Stella, the young eleventh-floor theatre administrator, lives in an abandoned tower in the middle of the capital. Every evening, they wake up to repeat the same routine, caring for lost children and watching a spectacular parade of the Defeated Gamblers. Stella wonders why the Messenger they live with has not yet sent their soul away. What secrets is the Messenger keeping from them? And what are they being protected from?