“You know, I have been dead now longer than I was ever alive. It’s kind of sad. All that unmet potential.”
I nodded from my seat on the next tomb.
“So how are your parents? Do you see them?”
She scraped a painted toe idly along the grass, the blades unbent by its passing.
“No, they moved down south right after it happened. And I can’t…” She gestured at the wider cemetery. “I can’t go past the gates.”
I made a note.
“You know that’s not a real obstacle. Many of the residents roam outside. What do you think is really stopping you?”
She frowned.
“Maybe… nothing?”
She pushed a toe outside the gate, its red polish glittering in the late afternoon sun. She took a further step, and, suddenly, she was outside.
I applauded, smiling.
She laughed and tossed her head, bright golden hair flying. “I’m free!”.
“So what now? Time to go into the light?”
“Nah”, she said. “I’ve got some living to do. Think I’ll go to the beach.” And with that, she was gone.
Maybe, one day, I’ll join her.