Charon

Everyone hates their job. Long hours, low pay, horrible people, backbreaking or tedious work, a bad boss.

I'm no exception.

I was literally created for the job I do. I have existed for span of mankind's history, and will continue to exist until mankind no longer does.

I am the Ferryman. My name is Charon. I will possibly be the last friendly face you see before entering Hades. I'm your last chance to tell someone who will listen about what's important to you.

Don't get me wrong. I hate the job I do. But there is no one else to do, and so I must continue for eternity, taking souls from one side of the river Styx to another, making sure they get into the proper section of Hades for what they did (or did not do) in life.

On any given day, I can ferry thousands of souls into the vastness of Hades. Of course, I'm immortal, and time does not effect us the same way it does the living, so one day to me, is a year for you. Trust me, you'll understand when you are dead.

There are people that I enjoy ferrying older men who tell stories. Most times the stories aren't interesting, but they're so full of life. Younger people who stare in amazement and disbelief are also personal favorites, and people of ranking like presidents and movie stars. Any of which I get on a given day.

I remember when when I had to ferry Hitler across the Styx. He kept insisting that he have the boat to himself, and at the very least in the company of his countrymen, and no Jews.

It took the soul of his mother (who was Jewish, if I might add) and Hades himself to convince Herr Hitler that, since Cerberus was waiting for him on the other side, it really didn't matter. He relented eventually, and sat next to some of the Jews he was personally responsible for.

That was a fun day, let me tell you.

I do love it, though, when there's a war or a famine, because it means I get to use the big boat. Instead of a small canoe style boat, I get a rather large ferry, which can fit several hundred souls at once.

Did you know that more than twelve souls will sink my regular boat? It's true. Souls weigh about half of what they weighed in life, so I'm forever guessing how many souls of what size will fit into my boat without sinking it.

I've not yet missed once.

So that's it. This is what I do. And I can tell you two things.

I don't expect tips, and don't accept them either, since I don't get a break long enough to use the money.

I enjoy a good conversation, so have some note cards ready.

Enjoy your life, whoever you are, because in the end, you will meet me, one day.