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The boss lady was in a rare good mood, unlike Noreen, who scowled at the woman and said, “I don’t see what’s there to gloat over. We have accomplished nothing.”
“And I don’t understand why you’re unhappy with how things turned out. It’s all for the best. At least none of you died. I’ll consider it a win.” The boss of Grim Reapers shrugged and appeared ready to close the topic.
Noreen wasn’t done, though. Rayan was back home, living as a human and trying to accept his magical heritage. Zim was back in the Otherworld, doing whatever demons did. She knew her place would forever be in the Underworld, but no matter how she looked at things, she couldn’t accept Sameer’s fate. He deserved better than to carry on a role he didn’t willingly accept.
Noreen glared at the boss lady and crossed her arms over her chest. “There must be something you can do. Talk to someone. Find a way for him to return to his life.”
The boss lady sighed. “I don’t know why you think the situation has changed. Just because you kids interfered in something none of you understood, and thankfully the universe didn’t collapse, doesn’t mean you can now make such impossible demands.”
The words were spoken softly, and Noreen knew the Reaper was probably right, but she wouldn’t give up on her friend. Sameer was a man of few words and rarely showed emotions, but she knew he longed to be back in the Aboveworld with his friend. The boss lady might refuse to help her, yet she would find a way. There must be some loophole in the system no one told them about.
After dealing with Meena and spending time with Zim, she understood their worlds better. Nothing was ever set in stone, and there was always a back door left behind for you to find.
She was about to leave when the boss lady said, “Noreen, whatever you are thinking, don’t do it. Our world is already on the edge. One wrong move could tip the scales of balance. And then there might not be any going back.”
Ignoring the wariness in her boss’ eyes, Noreen said, “I understand.” And she did. She would never do something lightly. But she needed to try, at least. Sameer deserved that much.
∞
“You’re late,” Sameer grumbled, “again.” But he didn’t turn around to face her. His eyes were trained on the crumbling mansion in front of them.
“And you sound jealous,” Noreen teased, ignoring the unease that had nothing to do with Sameer and everything to do with whatever awaited them inside the mansion.
“Just because you can’t find a date doesn’t mean I have to become a workaholic too.” She paused, and her tone was somber when she said, “I can’t believe it has already been a year since we encountered the witch and you found your missing friend.”
“Or rather, he found me.” A soft smile played on his lips.
“Don’t you want to return to how it was before,” she asked him while trying to read his mind. He had learned to close his thoughts to her. She wished he weren’t a quick study.
He didn’t give away his feelings, and his voice was devoid of emotions when he said, “What’s done is done.”
Was she wrong in assuming that Sameer wanted to return to the Aboveworld? Was he happy as a Grim Reaper? Sometimes, she wished she had known him when he was a human. Then, she would have something to compare his demeanor with. He might always have been a serious person. Maybe he didn’t laugh out loud and was reserved even with his friends. Who was she to say that he was unhappy and not just how he had always been?
“You’re overthinking things,” he said as a matter of fact. “I have adjusted to my new reality. No matter how much we wish it to be otherwise, we can only move forward in life and not backward. So, stop worrying about me.” When he looked at her this time, his smile was radiant, and it eased her mind.
“Well,” she said lightly, “in that case, five souls should be easy for you to handle. You don’t mind if I skip work today, do you?”
∞
As always, Zim was in the library when Noreen teleported to the Otherworld to see him. Sensing her presence, he placed the book on the table and whirled around to watch her approach. The smile that appeared on her face was one she reserved for him alone. It had only been a couple of months since they said the ‘L’ word to each other, but every day that followed had been pure bliss.
“I thought you were working today,” he said and opened his arms to embrace her.
“I was, but what’s the use of having friends in high places if you can’t use their influence.” She placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes momentarily. “Besides, Sameer can handle small jobs on his own now. I’m only needed when it’s something a Grim Reaper alone can’t take.”
“It’s a good thing your job isn’t demanding.”
“Enough about work,” she moved out of his arms and peeked at the book he was reading, “What’s this?” She could make out the title regarding witches and their magic.
“I miss her,” he said, and she understood.
“Friends are important.” A faraway look appeared on her face. Returning to the present, she said, “Have you heard from her?”
“No, not a word.” His sadness was palpable.
She knew how he felt and how he blamed himself for not handling things right. But he was wrong. What Meena did was in no way his fault. The witch was consumed with hatred, and no one could have stopped her from going down the dark path she chose. Yet, Noreen felt that Meena must be someone with a strong will and an even greater determination because she realized her mistake. For Zim’s sake, she hoped his best friend was doing whatever she needed to bring herself out of the evil pit she dug.
“I’m sure she’s fine, and she will get in touch with you when it’s the right time.”
“I hope you’re right,” he said. “Anyway, what do you want to do today? Should we go on a picnic?”
“That would be perfect,” she said. Tip-toeing, she kissed him on the cheek. “It’s a perfect day for a picnic.”
She decided not to bring up Sameer. Zim was already feeling down because of his friend. There was no point in bringing up the Grim Reaper. Later, she would tell him about her thoughts. Together, they would help Sameer find a way out of the obligation of serving the Underworld. For now, she would enjoy her boyfriend’s company and revel in the happiness they both deserved.
