"Delay your death," he said. "I want to tell you a story."
I spent the morning thinking about all five finalists, and this was the one that got me started writing. I've already developed some characters and sketched out the plot.
I really like some of the other openings, though, and I'd still like to use them. If I end up doing so, I'll announce it here and Tuckerize the person who gave me the line.
Notice that I am exercising my prerogative to alter the line a little bit: I changed a comma to a period.
Thanks to everyone who participated and discussed the game. You're a creative bunch.