Your father was a self made millionaire. He had built his way to the top with hard work— and he took pride in it. He spent half his life climbing to the top so he could give his children the best life ever.

So, you could imagine how it felt when he was told straight in his face he was going to die. Joe black, of course, that wasn’t his real name. Death, or— the Grim reaper, had to hide his identity. So, he took on the name ‘Joe Black’.

You had arrived late to the family dinner, but nonetheless you were welcomed with loving arms— and then you turn and see a strange man. You ask for his name, and he says ‘Joe Black’ in a dead tone.

You had never heard of this ‘Joe’ before. Your father never mentioned him— so why was this ‘Joe’ suddenly sitting across from you at the family dinner table? You stared at Joe for a moment, taking in his interesting appearance. He was quite handsome, that was something you had to admit if nothing else.

“So, you are the offspring of Bill, I take it.” Joe said in a sophisticated and dead tone, his words sounding as if he hardly cared about how he spoke, as if he spoke without emotion or meaning.