His star herald is undoubtedly Roah Wetherholt, who switched from suicide-prevention hotlines to calling people to tell them they’re going to die with the same care they previously used to save lives. It seemed as if their crisis counseling was weighing too much on their heart, not always knowing if the person went on to live. At least at Death-Cast, Roah knows the fate on the other end of the call. If Roah keeps up the good work, Joaquin anticipates he’ll be promoting them to travel the country as the company expands to train future heralds. His most surprising hire was Andrea Donahue whose rather extended résumé was a slight cause for concern, but her fierce love for her daughter really struck a chord with Naya, and the way Andrea handled her calls with tact impressed Joaquin; she’s blowing through her calls tonight with great efficiency. The same can’t be said for Rolando Rubio, a former elementary school guidance counselor who showed remarkable empathy during the test sessions, especially during the simulation where he had to speak with a parent about their dying child, but he’s moving too slowly tonight, stuck on his very first call as if it’s his job to help the Decker map out every hour of their End Day. Perhaps he’s better off working as a funeral director, where his sympathies will be better appreciated, and most important, where time isn’t of the essence.

Joaquin hovers around Rolando, tapping his watch, urging him to finish this call.

“I can’t,” Rolando mouths with teary eyes, continuing on with the Decker.

Joaquin admires Rolando’s devotion. Every Decker is a human being, and all human beings deserve respect. Too many people over the course of time have not been shown dignity while on their deathbeds. But what Joaquin ultimately needs to get across to his employees is that they must find the middle ground.

Minutes later, when Rolando finally delivers the signature parting message, he scrolls through his computer for the next Decker’s information, as if Joaquin isn’t shadowing him.

“One moment,” Joaquin says.

Rolando looks up at his boss. “Is this because I’m not going fast enough?”

“I want you to know that I appreciate all your work tonight,” Joaquin says, hoping to cool down Rolando, who’s clearly upset. “The care you’re showing will be meaningful to all Deckers and stay with them during their final hours, I’m sure of it. I simply need you to guide more Deckers before night’s end.”

“It’s a lot harder than it looks,” Rolando says.