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I begin to tremble. All that loneliness I felt growing up is clawing at me. But it turns out I was never alone. He was always there. He was everything to me, too. It’s crazy how I didn’t know him a month ago and now I can’t imagine being without him.

My throat is tight from trying to keep my tears at bay, but I force out the next words. “You were checking on me my whole life?”

He pulls me into a warm, tight hug. “Yes. It is against the rules to check in on family from a past life. It is also against the rules to intervene in a past family member’s life. I broke so many rules just to see you.”

He rubs my back. “When I saw that you were going to die, I snuck into the Soul Directory department and looked at your karma. I knew you were going to get sent to Hell, so I was trying to figure out ways to prevent that. It just so happened that Aiden needed a lawyer. I convinced Aiden to help me, Joyce. He asked me to tell you so many times, but I stopped him. I didn’t want to put you at risk by knowing this information. Please forgive him for me. I can see how much he cares for you.”

“How do you know about us?”

He lightly chuckles. “You both are not good at trying to hide it. While I did not like it at first, I noticed how happy you make each other. You should give him a chance, Joy.”

I shake my head. “There’s no point. I’m leaving soon and we may never see each other again. I think I should just let it be.”

Taevian begins to speak, “But—”

“I know you want to help. But no. Please.” It already hurts enough that I have to leave Aiden for what may very well be forever.

He nods. “Okay.” He leans back to look at me. “Do you forgive me?”

I smile. “I do…Dad.” It feels so good to finally be able to say that.

He smiles brightly and squeezes me to him so tightly that I can barely breathe. We hold onto each other as if we are meeting each other for the first time in years.

In a way, we are.

At the sound of clapping, we pull apart to see Yirah clapping and wiping tears from her face. Taevian chuckles at the sight of her.

“I’m so happy for you both,” she cries out as she runs and hugs us. Yirah is one of the funniest and kindest souls I’ve ever met. I hope we can be friends again in the next life.

I laugh and hug them tighter. “I love you both very much.”

We all break apart from each other. I yell out, “Let’s get our drink on!”

Taevian pats my shoulder. “I’m an old man, dear. I’m going to get some rest. Especially, since tomorrow is going to be a rough day for me.”

“Don’t worry. You have a daughter as a lawyer. We are going to get you through this.”

He grins. “I know you will. I’ll drop by your place tomorrow so we can eat breakfast.”

“Alright.” I give him a hug and he leaves. I turn to Yirah and smile.

“Let’s have some fun!” I grab her hand and drag her into the bar.

* * *

At this point, night has come, and reapers have started to leave to head back to Eden. Yirah is playing darts with a reaper I’ve never talked to before, but he is cute. Valerie and I are chatting about how her time has been at Eden so far.

“Honestly, being a reaper feels no different than being alive. If anything, it’s better. Like you mean to tell me, I don’t have to worry about bills? I can just work and drink all day? I’ll do this for the rest of eternity! Beats my previous life.”

I smile. “How was your last life?” We never got a chance to really sit down and talk about each other’s lives. Whenever Yirah, Valerie and I meet up, we are likely drinking and telling funny stories.

“Girl, I worked check to check. I was a starving musician working three jobs. But then one day, I tripped off the stage, hit my head, and ended up as a reaper. Now, I get to remain a reaper because of you.”

I brush off my shoulder. “Aren’t I the best?”

“Yeah. I got a ‘get out of Hell' free card from you and porn. Your services are immaculate.”

I tilt my head back to look at the ceiling, then back to a grinning Valerie. “You still owe me.”