He had to hurry. It wouldn’t be long before the next one sounded its chimed warning through the great hall. Just a few more minutes and it would be time to help another understand. They were always so surprised when they got here. Some thrilled they made it, some shocked they were even considered. Each one so different—young and old, tall and short, loud and silent. Most shared one similarity, all wishing they had been granted more time. It was such an odd desire. After all he had seen them endure, after all the requests for release from the pain, even those that were thrilled about where they were still held this tiny spot in their soul that was aching for one more minute back there. He couldn’t imagine why in the world anyone want to stay there one second longer than they had to when it was so wonderful here.

Maybe it was just one of those human things he would never grasp. BRRRRRINGGG!!!! He startled at the sound as the next timepiece shouted its alarm. Time’s up.

This one would be hard. He had been dreading it. She didn’t want to go and had been fighting for so very long. Kept saying she had too much left to do, that she hadn’t finished all her work. These types were always sad when they first arrived. But that all changes once their family and friends show up. Then they realize it really isn’t over, they were just getting started.