Frame Shift.

Die.
I never thought in my entire life I'd hear that word directed to me. It's rare for my people to be told that their life is going to end. We aren't supposed to die. We live on, forever. So when I sat in that office, my mother holding my hand tightly, and the doctor uttered those words, it was like he had pulled out a gun and shot me, right then and there.
"I'm sorry to have to tell you, but you're dying. There's nothing we can do. There is a mutation in your DNA sequencing, which means that we are unable to reverse your condition." After the last word fell from his lips, it was like the world had stopped. I heard myself gasp, and my mother cry out. Her grasp on my hand tightened as she pressed my palm to her cheek. I didn't blink. I couldn't speak. I could only think one thing: Oh god, please tell me this is some kind of sick joke, or a nightmare, anything but real. Just let me wake up, please, everything is fine, everything has to be fine. But it wasn't a bad dream.
It was reality. I was going to die. I didn't know when, or how, but I knew it was inevitable.
~
For humans, you get one step closer to death every passing day. The moment you are born, the countdown to your death begins. When a member of my people is born, the countdown to the end of eternity begins. We live among humans, designated as guides, using the knowledge our ancestors pass on to teach and help the advance in culture and society, and we are accepted and appreciated for our aid. We stay with the four humans we are assigned to from birth their entire life, and form a bond with them that is unbreakable. For that reason, I'm happy to know I might not have to go through the anguish I've seen my parents go through when one of their humans pass away. It's like a part of them is torn out of their heart and soul and can never be filled again. They are forced to watch as their closest friends grow old and frail, while they stay at the age of 35. They can recall perfectly their first four humans, their eyes welling with tears as they speak of them with honor and respect.  

I was sixteen when I was told about my condition. It's been three years since then. I'm healthy, strong, and positive. I remember the doctor repeating four words to me as we sat in his office, speaking so I could just hear them over my mothers sobbing. 'I'm sorry, so sorry.' He hung his head in sympathy. I only stared at my knees, expressionless.  Now, at nineteen, I use the knowledge of the impending death to live my life with no regret. I follow the rule 'live like you'll die tomorrow' religiously. I want to die knowing I've done something daring, dangerous, and unforgettable.
~

The clear blue sky and light, cool breeze was welcoming amid the summer heat. I sat in my backyard beside the pool in a padded lounge chair next to Emery, one of the four humans I'm assigned to. We've been the closest to each other from the beginning, and started dating at the beginning of high school. The other three would be arriving soon. After nineteen years of close proximity, the five of us knew one another better than our parents did. The trust we had among us was hard to match. We all seemed to fit together, in looks and personality. Richie was a tall and striking, and incredibly loveable. He had light brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. Margo and Dahlia were identical twins, each with rich, golden brown hair and mismatched eyes, one grey and one green. They were outgoing and approachable. Then there was Emery. He was unpredictable yet chivalrous, and outgoing. Emery looked at me out of the corner of his eye, a sly smile crossing his lips. His deep brown hair fell into his eyes, as green as granny smith apples. The breeze tousled it, and the sunlight danced in the highlights hidden in his dark locks. I smiled at him, watching as he got up and stretched, his tan skin stretching over his muscled back. I looked away for a second, and Emery seized his opportunity and straddled me in the chair, tracing the markings that wound around my ribcage. I laughed, kicking, telling him to stop. My mark was the most ticklish spot on my body, and Emery knew that. He continued to run his finger along the spiraling, intricate design. I was in hysterics, laughing, trying to push him off. He smiled the entire time, then moved his hands to my face, and kissed me.
"Are we ruining a moment?" came Richie's voice from the gate around the yard. He let himself in, followed by Margo and Dahlia. Emery laughed, but wouldn't get off.
"Hey, guys. Emery just couldn't help himself," I grinned at the three of them. "A little help, Richie?"
"No problem, Lydia," His looming figure cast a shadow over us as he smiled at Emery. He was strong, and hoisted Emery up by the arms and tossed him into the deep end of the pool. We all laughed as Emery glared at Richie, and proceeded to grab his ankle and yank him in.
"TIMBER!" Emery shouted as Richie fell.  The twins tore off their sundresses and jumped in after them, front flipping over the edge in perfect coordination. I followed them in, shielding my eyes from the glare of the sun on the water.