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墨書 Inktalez
Lately, there has been an unusual silence between us, and neither of us wants to be the first to break this awkward and inexplicable atmosphere. And I also don't understand what this close to depressed emotion in my heart is all about.
As the Ferryman of the River of the Dead, the fundamental requirement is to treat all souls equally. Regardless of any reason, one should never show favoritism towards an individual.
...Is it because we have spent a considerable amount of time together that an unnecessary bond has formed without our awareness?
...Have I committed a taboo?
With a silent sigh, I squatted by the edge of the boat, idly picking up a stone to skip across the River of Hades. However, my poor technique only allowed it to bounce twice before sinking.
Suddenly, a sound of water that did not belong to me emerged from beside me.
I turned my head and happened to see the deceased throwing a stone, which bounced seven or eight times across the surface of the river.
He turned and smiled at me, looking pleased with himself.
...He definitely misunderstood something!
I'm not convinced, so I picked up another stone and threw it again--
Hmm, a couple more times.
A burst of cheerful laughter suddenly erupted, causing me to glare in his direction involuntarily.
He couldn't help but chuckle, just as he was about to show off his skills in skipping stones.
"Um...sorry, I want to cross the river..."
A sudden sound interrupted our confrontation.
I paused for a moment, slowly rising to my feet. Nonchalantly, I smoothed out the wrinkles in my clothes and walked back to the ship, extending my hand toward the deceased and speaking in a formal tone:
"A ferry fee, one gold coin."
The deceased did not hesitate to pull a gold coin from his pocket. Just as he was about to hand it to me, his gaze inadvertently caught sight of another deceased standing nearby. He paused for a moment, uncertainty creeping into his voice as he called out, "...Jay?"
Hearing the call, the deceased was momentarily taken aback, hesitantly sizing up the person before him. After a moment, he stammered, "…Xiao Long?"
"Ha! Jay, it really is you!" Xiao Long exclaimed excitedly, rushing forward with a handful of gold coins, eagerly shaking his shoulders back and forth. "It's been such a long time! What are you doing here?"
I put down my empty hand in silence and turned to look at the two of them.
Hearing the question, Jay just awkwardly smiled and replied, "What about you? How come you're here?"
"I..." was about to answer, Xiao Long then realized how foolish the question was, and awkwardly raised his hand to scratch his head.
"Well... I guess I died of illness, after all, all my organs had failed, there was no way to save me. Although it's also related to getting older!" He talked about his death without any taboo. "But, at least I passed away with my family by my side, so it's not too regretful. How about you?"
"I..." Jay was suddenly at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond.
"How have you been?" Xiao Long playfully punched his chest in mock anger. "Seriously, you're such a recluse! Not reaching out to people is one thing, but you don't even use social media. Your accounts are usually as inactive as if they were never created. It's harder to find out about your life than it is to reach the sky!"
"…It's nothing, just the same as usual," Jay smiled bitterly. "Anyway, it's not like it's a big deal. There's no need to make a big announcement to the world."
"You always say that, but then you didn't even let us know when you died. At least let us send you off properly..." Xiao Long couldn't help but mutter in complaint, then nervously added, "Oh, by the way, I remember you weren't married, right? It seems like you're the only one left in your family... Did anyone know when you passed away?"
"....Yes."
"Oh, that's good then. At least there's still someone to see you off... Why are you still here?" Xiao Long asked curiously. "Weren't you here before me? Why haven't you boarded the ship yet?"
"I..." Jay awkwardly turned his head to glance at the mist swirling nearby. "I'm waiting for someone."
"Oh, I see." Xiao Long casually patted his shoulder. "Take your time, I'll head out first."
"Mm."
Xiao Long walked towards me again, handed over the ferry fee, and I guided him onto the boat.
At the moment the boat left the riverbank, Xiao Long suddenly seemed to remember something and turned around to wave at him vigorously.
"Goodbye, Jay! I'm really glad I got to see you one last time!"
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