Lorelei's and Raza's Adventure

My occupation is not for the faint of heart; I guide souls into the afterlife. I find myself envious of traveling through this world only as an observer for the past five thousand years. No one to soothe my loneliness. The only conversation I engage in is souls being baffled at my appearance, asking, “Why do you look like my mom?” or “I didn’t think I’d be seeing my dad!”. My form shifts to whatever figure is more comforting for the spirit. I am afraid my shape is far more terrifying, or I think it is; I’ve never actually seen myself. The surprised look on the spirit's faces when they see who most comforts them always puts a chuckle in my throat. As daunting as leaving a life behind only to be met by me, I am not here to hurt you; I am merely here to make the transition a calming experience. Whatever guiding force that drove your life will then navigate your afterlife.

‘Bells chiming’

When the bells chime, a life is ready to move on to the next phase. I now have to perform my duties.

I arrived at the multi-story, red-bricked building; that looked like a significant casualty event. Sudden deaths are always torturous. Souls that still had much to live for are difficult to console; they still feel fear, anger, and regret, known as unfinished business. Along with the usual round of questions, plenty of souls ask how they died; I know everything about each soul as I get to them. However, I find it better to take their minds off how it happened and just let them know they are in good hands. Of course, I try to get them to where they need to go as efficiently as possible, but the odd chat is always a pleasure.

“Why did this happen, Marlene? “ A soul questioned

“Unfortunately, it is just your time,” I respond.

With a low sigh, the resident soul uttered, “ But… the kids.”

I’m sorry, love, but it’s time for you to join me now.” So I ushered the soul to the path he must walk.

Every soul gets its own path to walk into its eternal. As the last resident walked their paths, I found myself worn out; one of the few human traits I possess is exhaustion. I slip into a pocket that keeps time from passing; I just don’t want to be bothered by the bells during times like these. I use this space to observe and pretend. Sometimes I sit in an empty chair surrounded by humans amid celebrations, their elated smiles as they mark milestones in each other's lives. It fills me to the brim with curiosity. These beings seem to celebrate the smallest of things. How do they decide what is worthy of such jubilation? Why is this the best use of their time? As much of what they determine as good, there is much destruction. Why don’t they spend as much of their energy correcting the misdeeds of their counterparts? Yet, some still choose to rejoice even in the thick of the damnable destruction. These humans are perplexing. Unfortunately, my curiosity will remain unquenched as there is no one to answer these burning questions. Nothing else to do but keep order.

‘Bells Chiming’

I arrived at an old folks' facility. I’ve been to plenty of places like this throughout the century. A male spirit was surveying his grieving family with a caring smile. So sad to go, but knew it was time.

“ Hi, Eliot. It’s time to go,” I smiled gently.

Eliot smiled at me, then nodded. His path glowed in front of him; he strode along while waving his last goodbye. I smiled, then turned to the family.

“If they only knew.”

“Knew what?” a voice from behind me inquired.

The voice belonged to a young man holding a pitcher of water. The young man had alluring hazelnut eyes, the same as the spirits. He must be a relative of his; I was startled by this. Could he hear me? I stood stark in front of him. Maybe he was talking to someone else? He must be, but the longer I stared the deeper his gaze.

“Raza, why are you just standing there staring at nothing?” asked a woman by the bed.

“I-,”

“So help me, boy, you say you see a ghost again. I’m tying you to a boat!” exclaimed an elderly man.

“Nevermind, it’s nothing.” mumbled the young man.

He put down the pitcher and then stepped back out into the hall, glancing at me. I felt compelled to follow him before I had the chance to move my feet-

‘Bells chiming’

Another soul needed me. After a few hours of my duties, I needed time to reflect. The event that transpired was beyond the scope of all comprehension, or at least as I knew it. Certain humans have been known to convene with recently deceased souls, but none have ever been able to see me. How could he do that? What did he see when he looked at me? I only appear as a lovely face to those who have passed. I have no notion of how I appear to the living. Yet again, I am left with burning questions and no one to answer them. My growing desire to find that boy has left me mystified, so much so my work has suffered. Showing up hours late or at the wrong location. This endeavor has wholly consumed me. I find him.