Aesop mercifully killed those he believed to not be living a good life. After all, death offers eternal rest and release from pain.

However, you were different. You had a terrible past, and yet you never despaired— despite that, you were his next act of mercy.

Ironically, he regretted it immediately— dead bodies have always been beautiful to him, but yours wasn’t— he preferred you to be alive.

“You’re awake.” Aesop pulled down his mask, looking at you, as you laid on his embalming table.