@vcracity But, “Were you not expecting my usefulness?”
My gaze shifted back toward the spirit, followed by a head tilt that had meant a request for explanation. @katzchein heard her, certainly.
@vcracity “Indeed he is,” I said as is.
The need to claim my pride, now that my credibility had been proven, mattered considerably less when it was my compassion that was required here instead. I understood where the distaste came from. I imagined it close to a betrayal.
@katzchein “Oh.”
That was helpful. Thank you for your willingness to cooperate! If this keeps up, we would be able to finish quickly.
I turned to @vcracity again, holding out the necklace. “He said, he gave you this last Christmas.”
i was being serious or not (so i figured i’d give him a break before he actually gave himself a heart attack and ended up dying as well over something i said.)
“that necklace, i gave it to her last christmas.”
trust me, i wasn’t exactly happy about any of this.
that this poor lady over here,” I gestured to the woman. “had to wonder if she was going insane.”
The corners of my lips curled higher. “Do 𝘺𝘰𝘶 have something to say, or is psychological torture your love language?” | @katzchein
There was a small voice in my heart that said, “No wonder you died.”
“Unfortunately, Mr. Fiance, that question seems more suitable for me to ask. Given your unprompted and unexplainable appearances in which, I suppose, never occurred to you as having left such profound effects
@vcracity I simply shrugged. “He just asked me to not let him be seen.” Then I looked at the spirit. I can’t truly read his expression. “First of all, I’m sorry for bothering you.”
I’m not sorry. | @katzchein
@vcracity I opened my eyes. That meant I had retreated; disconnected. But the very next moment, I heard a voice. “Don’t let her see me.” I didn’t even look.
A smile spread across my face. “He’s here.”
—— @vcracity
@vcracity I nodded in approval. “Certainly.”
Once the necklace lay in my palm, I closed my fingers around it and shut my eyes, reaching for the traces left behind by the one who was no longer here. They led me to his whereabouts. Eventually, the spirit noticed my presence.
@vcracity He must have wanted to be seen, but there, was as far as he could manage.
I turned to @vcracity. The way she used the word “ritual” tickled me that I smiled.
“I just need one thing that used to belong to this someone. Whatever it is.”
@vcracity “Ah.”
I walked to the window, looked outside, and spotted the pole she mentioned. There was someone standing beside it . . . just a salarywoman who seemed to be waiting for her ride. The distance the spirit kept, I somehow could understand it.
@vcracity I made my way into the shop and smiled politely at the offer. “I prefer to drink after I’m finished.”
Not wanting to dilly-dally, I began. “Is this …” My eyes darted around. “Is this where you often see the spirit you want me to connect with?”
—— @vcracity