New story enjoy and it is a bit scary👻

A young girl named Avery lies quietly, teetering on the threshold between this world and whatever comes next. With each of her final breaths, memories of her childhood, family, first love, and moments of both joy and regret whirl vividly through her mind. As she reflects on her life, Avery searches desperately for meaning within the moments that mattered most.

"Is that how it all ends—a mere illusion?" she whispers into the empty room. Though no one is there, she senses unseen eyes darting around her and hears the echo of phantom footsteps. It feels as though Death itself is circling, preparing to swallow her whole.

Avery knows her time has come. The world around her freezes, and the only sound she hears is her heart pounding in her chest. "Why—why me?" she gasps, grasping for an answer she already knows will never come.

Suddenly, a dark, menacing figure emerges from the shadows, gripping a glinting shiv. "Because your time is up. You already knew, didn’t you, little Avery?" the figure taunts. Avery tries to respond, but her voice falters. The words linger on her lips, inaudible even to herself.

"Oh, Avery, say that again, dear. I can’t quite hear you," the figure coos mockingly. Avery's mouth moves, but no sound comes forth—her voice silenced by fear.

"Uh-oh, looks like someone can't answer my little question," the shadow growls, its voice deep and jagged. The figure advances, and all Avery can do is squeeze her eyes shut and wait. He pauses a few feet away, peering down at her from the darkness.

"Oh Avery, I’m sorry it ended this way. Before you go, what's the one thing you'll remember?"

Summoning every last ounce of strength and courage, she manages to exhale a single word, barely louder than a whisper: "Love."

"Mmm, good answer, Avery. If you truly cared about love, maybe you wouldn’t have cheated Death," the figure replies slyly. The implication sends a chill through her, but Avery remains silent. She understands now who stands before her. She knows this figure—it was her first love. And she, his.