Threads of Fate (Catnipz)

A Wave of My Hand

Haerin's voice trembled as she asked, "And if she can't?"

Minji turned to her, her gaze steady and resolute. "She will. It'll hurt, but she'll find a way. People are stronger than we give them credit for. And you... you have to trust her enough to let her try."

Haerin's eyes stung, her heart warring between the weight of responsibility and the desire for peace. Minji's words lingered in the air, a reminder of a love lost and a lesson learned the hard way.

Haerin let out a long breath, the weight on her chest easing as she lifted her gaze to meet Minji's. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but there was a quiet resolve in them now, a strength that hadn't been there before. She gave Minji a faint, bittersweet smile.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice trembling just slightly. "For telling me. For everything. I think... I think I'm ready now."

Minji studied her for a moment, her stoic expression softening into something almost tender. "You're sure?" she asked gently. "There's no going back once you make this choice."

Haerin nodded, her fingers curling loosely at her sides. "I'm sure. Hanni... she'll be okay, won't she?"

"She will," Minji replied firmly, a quiet reassurance in her tone. "It won't be easy for her, but she'll heal. And she'll carry you with her, in her heart. Always."

Haerin closed her eyes for a moment, letting the truth of those words settle deep within her. When she opened them again, she felt lighter, as if the chains that had been holding her back had finally broken.

"Then I'm ready," she said again, her voice steady this time.

Minji offered a small nod, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You're braver than most, Haerin. Don't forget that."

Haerin returned the smile, a faint warmth blooming in her chest despite the ache of goodbye. "Maybe. But I think you're the one who gave me the courage."

For a brief moment, the two stood in silence, the night air cool around them. Then Minji stepped closer, extending a hand toward Haerin. "Come on. It's time."

For a brief moment, the two stood in silence, the night air cool around them. Then Minji stepped closer, extending a hand toward Haerin. "Come on. It's time."

Haerin hesitated only for a second before taking Minji's hand. As their fingers touched, the world around them shifted. The cracked pavement, the cold night air, and the distant hum of life all melted away. In their place, a stairwell appeared, its steps carved from a luminous, pearly stone that shimmered faintly in the dim light. It spiraled upward, disappearing into an infinite expanse of soft, glowing mist.

The stairwell was quiet, inviting yet daunting, as if it held secrets beyond anything Haerin could comprehend. She glanced at Minji, her hand still clasped tightly in hers. Minji's expression was calm, her dark eyes reflecting the faint glow of the stairs.

"Is this it?" Haerin asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minji nodded, her grip gentle but firm. "This is the path. Beyond here... it's your choice what comes next. Your afterlife. Your dream."

Haerin's gaze shifted back to the stairs. "Will you come with me?" she asked, the question escaping her lips before she could think.

Minji's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "I can only take you this far. My place is here, between worlds."

A lump formed in Haerin's throat, but she forced herself to swallow it. "I... I think I'm scared," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

"That's okay," Minji said softly. "Most people are. But you've already taken the hardest step, letting go. The rest will come naturally."

Haerin looked at the stairs again, the glow reflecting in her wide eyes. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Will I... remember you?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Minji's smile softened, the faintest hint of something unspoken lingering in her gaze. "I hope so," she said, her voice carrying a rare gentleness. "But even if you don't, I'll remember you."

Haerin felt her chest tighten, but she nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. She tightened her grip on Minji's hand, letting herself draw strength from the warmth of her touch.

With one final look at Minji, Haerin stepped forward, her foot landing on the first stair. The glow brightened, enveloping her in its warmth. She didn't look back, not because she didn't want to, but because she knew Minji was right. Letting go was the hardest part, but she had to trust what lay ahead.

As Haerin ascended the stairs, her figure slowly disappeared into the light, leaving Minji standing alone at the base. The stairwell began to dissolve, its glow fading into the night.

Minji let her hand fall to her side, her gaze lingering on the spot where Haerin had been. A faint smile played on her lips, tinged with a bittersweet ache.

"Goodbye, Haerin," she murmured into the stillness. Then, with a quiet resolve, she turned and walked back into the haze of the in-between, her cloak billowing behind her as she prepared for the next soul.