Episode 6 of The Sandman commences with Dream, the enigmatic ruler, tenderly feeding pigeons in a serene park. His thoughts wander as he reminisces about the devastation of his kingdom and his quest for retribution. Despite his unparalleled might, which has been unmatched for ages, he finds himself adrift, devoid of direction. He feels nothing, a void within his soul.
As he muses, Death, his sister, approaches, her presence a stark contrast to his melancholy. They stroll together, and Dream comments on her unique affinity with mortals, a skill honed through countless encounters. This is evident when she gracefully visits an elderly man, Harry, who is lost in the melody of his violin. Dream observes silently, a spectator to the dance of life and death.
Intriguingly, this scene juxtaposes the "gentle death" of Harry with the "tragic demise" of Sam, who perishes by drowning during his honeymoon. Death also ventures to a cradle, where a newborn sleeps peacefully.
Dream ponders the profound mysteries of life and death, wondering why humans fear the sunless realm. "In the end, we all stand alone," Death whispers, her voice carrying a profound truth, highlighting the strength that companionship brings. Having found herself at a crossroads, uncertain of her path, Death found solace in her role as a comfort to mortals, realizing that they need her as much as she needs them.
As Dream and Death return to the park where their journey began, the siblings bid each other farewell, parting ways but leaving behind a profound lesson about the true essence of humanity. The episode is interspersed with fleeting flashes, starting in 1389, where Death and Dream engage in a wager. A man, seated at the table, boasts of his immortality, and Death, with a mischievous smile, grants his wish. Dream is convinced that within a century, the man will beg for release, but Death remains unconvinced, her gaze piercing the veil of time.
As Dream neared Hob Gadling, the recipient of a granted wish, he extended an invitation for them to reunite in the same tavern, a century hence. Their subsequent encounters unfolded, marking the tapestry of history with every passing hundred years. From the golden age of 1589 to the dark abyss of 1689, Hob's life descended into chaos, yet even in the depths of despair, Robert Gadling, his new moniker, clung to life.
In 1789, Johanna Constantine stormed in with her entourage, summoning Death and Gadling to her side. Dream retorted with a gust of his sand, revealing haunting specters from her forgotten past. Unwavering, Gadling persevered in his conviction that Dream was a lonely soul seeking camaraderie, despite the latter's ominous warnings.
Despite his resolve to depart and never return, Gadling's shadow loomed every century, a silent testament to his enduring hope for a friendship. Time marched on, leading us to the threshold of 1989.
It transpired that the tavern, their cherished meeting place, was on the brink of demolition, destined to be transformed into drab apartments. This transformation coincided with Dream's imprisonment, explaining his absence from their appointed rendezvous. Upon his release, Dream stumbled upon a new inn adjacent to the former site. To his surprise, Gadling was there, patiently awaiting his arrival. A smile graced Dream's face as he apologized for his tardiness.
Meanwhile, Desire, his sibling, plotted a devious scheme to ensnare his own brother.
