This Had A Big Influence On Me - Tumblr Posts

There's a scene in Hogfather, a book by the late Terry Pratchett (spoilers ahead) in which Death who has for plot reasons taken the role of santa finds the little match girl. (I'm not too experienced, but maybe a trigger warning for death? Better safe than sorry.)

Does anyone know that story? A young girl is out in the cold, trying to sell matches, and lighting them herself for the brief warmth they provide. Eventually, she dies. Sure, it's presented as 'she goes off to a pleasant afterlife with family' but she's still dead. It's usually just another 'no matter how bad you've got it, someone's got it worse' story.

But not here. No, here Death ignores both his duties, because This Is Not Right.

So he gives the little match girl more life, and takes her to a charity.

That's one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite books. Because Death is kind, and is willing to ignore his job if he thinks it right.