"I wanted to see you again and remember you. How could I just choose to forget everything that's happened to us and to Alia?" Alan says getting upset.
"Alan, we're dead, even if we find everyone who wronged us we can't do anything anymore" Olivya says calmly.
"When our six hundred years are up we won't remember each other, we should do something. No?" Alan argues.
"I thought that as well, but Alan what can we do? We can't kill your father. Not here, not in our next life. So, let's just be happy for our remaining years. Okay?"
I thought that souls were given the choice to remember the previous life for closure. But I think I understand now.
"What about Alia? Do you think we'll be able to see her again here?" Alan says, taking Olivya aback.
I almost forgot Alan doesn't know "Alia's" secret.
Olivya quickly gains back her composure. "I don't know, Alia died before us."
Olivya says honestly. After sitting in silence for a while Olivya remembers Not Alan, and convinces the real Alan to go back inside the cafe.
"I thought you weren't going to come back" the soul says in a petty tone.
"I'm sorry we left you like that, it was an emergency"
"I also apologize, what's your name again?"
"…"
"…"
"You don't have to answer that. Sorry…again" Alan says, embarrassed.
"Wasn't planning on it" the soul laughs "As much as I would like to chit chat with the both of you, I have to go now"
"Already?" Olivya complained.
"I mean we were outside for a while" Alan says, feeling bad for interrupting their conversation earlier.
"The main thing I wanted to say was that it's my last day here," the soul says. "I'm going to the after quarters."
"You're leaving?" Olivya says shocked. "Like leaving, leaving?"
"I'm sorry I told you last minute. I just didn't want you to worry about it, we just became friends."
"But you said you were new," Olivya says.
"Oh no no, I'm new to the Fostering Quarters. It's rare but I had my occupation changed at the last minute. I was too embarrassed at the time, some souls are a bit judgy" the soul says apologetically about the misunderstanding.
"I see, so this is it?" Olivya asks.
"I wouldn't say this is it. Who knows? We might reunite in our next life."
Alan finally recovering from his embarrassment speaks up "Maybe we all have met before" he suggests jokingly.
"Maybe we have" the soul entertains. "Bye. For real this time" they say gathering their things and getting up from the table.
"Bye 'Not Alan'. You seemed nice even though we only met just now."
"I guess we both should've come here more often" the soul says.
"Bye. I miss you already" Olivya says, a bit upset.
Even though I thought they were Alan, I value them still. We were just beginning to get close, but I'll also have to leave in three hundred years.
Ali walks out of the cafe and heads to the Prospering Quarter.
"Alright, well I have to get back to work" Alan says.
"I'm surprised they didn't come get you already"
"It's not like we can get fired."
"Right, that's why we don't have overtime " Efficacious, Alan's mentor says with her hand on her hip and another with a clipboard. "Get to work."
Later that night
After Alan is finally done working. Alan is walking Olivya back to her place in silence.
Alan thinks for a moment "How many years had it been since Alia died, when we first came here?" he asked.
"Three years…" Olivya answers. "Why?"
"And how long have we been here?"
"Also three" Olivya answers again. "Why?" She thinks for a moment. What is he getting at? Does he want to try to find Ali again? It's been six-
"Oh."
"Oh."
It's been six hundred years since Ali's death. I still remember that night.
Holding food, Olivya knocks on Ali's door with her free hand.
"Hey, It's me" she says through the door, hoping Ali will open the door.
It's been hard for them the past few weeks. Ever since Ali's father found out, they've been acting distant.
"Hey" Ali greets Olivya.
"This was from your dad," Olivya starts. "Do you have ice cream?"
"You know I do" Ali cracks a small smile letting their best friend in.
As they're both eating in the living room watching a random rom-com, Oliyva speaks up. "I think he truly cares. You just have to wait a little longer."
"I don't think so, but I'm glad I have you to think positive for me" Ali smiles as they continue watching their show.