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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 Styx, the basic requirement is to treat all the deceased equally, regardless of any reasons, and not to treat any individual differently.
...Is it because we have spent a not-so-short time together that we have unconsciously developed unnecessary ties?
...Is this considered a violation?
Speechless and sighing softly, I squatted by the side of the boat, absentmindedly picking up a stone and skipping it across the River Styx, but due to my poor technique, it only skipped a couple of times before sinking.
Suddenly, another sound of water, not made by me, came from the side.
I turned my head and happened to see the deceased throwing a stone, which skipped seven or eight times on 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 contest. I paused, slowly stood up, casually smoothed out the wrinkles on my clothes, and walked back to the boat. I reached out to the deceased in a formal manner.
"Ferry fare, one gold coin."
The deceased didn't hesitate to take out a gold coin from his pocket and was about to hand it to me when his gaze inadvertently caught sight of the other deceased standing nearby. He paused for a moment, then called out uncertainly, "… Jay?"
Hearing the call, deceased was momentarily stunned, and hesitantly looked at the person in front of him, then spoke hesitantly, ".... Xiao Long?"
"Ha! Jay, it's really you!" Xiao Long immediately excitedly grabbed the gold coins and rushed forward, warmly grabbing his shoulders and shaking them back and forth. "It's been so long, how come you're 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 to look at the hazy mist beside him. "I'm waiting for someone."
"Oh, I see," Xiao Long patted his shoulder nonchalantly. "You take your time, I'll go ahead first."
"Mm."
Xiao Long walked back to me, handed over the ferry fare, 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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