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Being dead was strange this time, Droth mused as he walked through the "wild land."

He was in a forest where the colors were vivid but the edges were indistinct. It was like someone had draped colored fabric haphazardly on all the trees.

The sky was brighter here. Sounds were muted.

He stopped walking and let the moment stretch out. He laughed when he couldn't feel his heart beating. He recalled he had laughed last time too.

It was good to be back.

He started walking again, but he had no destination. Just me and my sleeping heart taking a stroll in the sunshine, he thought.

Last time he had died, he remembered feeling more disconnected from the wild land. Last time, he felt like he needed to move along to his unknown destination.

Not this time. He was in no hurry. No agenda, no stress. Stay. Go. It didn't really matter. Not this time.

He had finished his task and was...what? What was this strange feeling? Several words came to mind, but he settled on "content." Yes. He was content.

"Droth."

He stopped and looked for the speaker. It sounded like Sif. Was she dead too? He smiled, thinking of how they would spend eternity here, their quiet little hearts sleeping contentedly like a couple of housecats in the sun.

"Droth."

Yes, it was her. She sounded annoyed.

"We need you to come back."

He smiled. Nah, he was content right here.

"If you don't come back, I am going to repaint the boat." Was she crying?

He stopped smiling. The colors of the wild land seemed to dim.

"I swear I will paint the whole thing pink." Yes, she was crying.

Shit.

Time to go back.

He took a last look around as he felt a flutter in his chest.





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