Commentary: This is a revision of my story The Psychopomp. This seemed a good opportunity to polish it up. ‘Psychopomp’ is one of those amazingly good words that no one knows.

That remnant breath was a great touch, and the way the dog played with the frogs gave death an almost childish feel. I enjoyed reading this.

That remnant breath was a great touch, and the way the dog played with the frogs gave death an almost childish feel. I enjoyed reading this.

That was awesome. I really liked the first and last breath idea as first take and then given as payment. Also liked allowing the dog his dog-like behavior even while doing the other-worldly duty of escorting him over.

Very moving.

The paragraph that begins: Peace and strife… and ends, This was my last opportunity to give. — powerfully profound.

Appreciated the commentary as well.

Whoooooo! Aristophanes reference! an extra shiny pencil for that on it’s own, so 6 shiny pencils for a great story.

@everyone: Thanks for the kind remarks.

@Akheloios: Well, I’m glad that someone noticed it!

I love the gentleness of this piece. It’s beautiful and soft and supremely gentle, even though this moment is something that so many are afraid of.

I love the idea of a beloved dog returning to guide the narrator to the afterlife, and your story executes it well.