Chapter 23

The rusty leaves were the only audible sound. The brown leaves decorated the white sepulchers, giving them a shade of white and brown. Flowers were placed on some of the tombs, and some were just bare, a clear sign that they had not been visited for years.

Birdy was standing beside Lycanthropos, her hands hanging on his elbow. They were standing in front of one of the tombs, with the inscription:

“GABRIEL, 1984-2024.”

“In your next life, please stay far away from me,” Lycanthropos said as though Gabriel were physically present, listening to him. “You might have still been living a happy life if you had not met me. I’m so sorry for everything.”

“I’m sure he had no regret meeting you,” Birdy said, hoping that would console Lycanthropos. “It’s none of your fault any of this is happening.”

Lycanthropos dropped a flower on the tombstone, and Birdy dropped one, too, in memory of Gabriel and the life he lived.

As they walked back to the car, a question o