A Different Path

Chapter 2

The cat looked over to see that she had finished in the meantime. "Ready?"

Rose nodded. "Ready."

Narinder helped her down and then walked with her to the gardens. "Don't laugh when you see it..." He opened the greenhouse door to reveal an extraordinary garden. Rose didn't laugh but was amazed by the spectacle.

"Ironic isn't? Death being surrounded and caring for life..." Narinder looked to see her reaction.

"It's beautiful..." Rose was still blown away.

"... This is my retreat from my duties. No one is allowed here without my express permission." Narinder told her.

That made Rose wonder... She looked at him to meet his gaze. "We've met only once before... we are still strangers despite knowing each other's names and some information about one another. Why show me this place if it is so special to you?"

"The way you told me about what had happened, you seemed sad by the loss of plants," he looked at her. "I wanted to show you that even in the most unlikely situations, things can be okay, Narinder plucked one of his flowers and handed it to her. "I know you said it was getting better, I just wanted to show it to you."

Rose took the flower, she was a bit speechless but found her words. "You're so sweet for considering my feelings... and your garden is truly beautiful."

Narinder nodded awkwardly. "Come, I know you really only came to read some more," he turned and walked away.

"Only to read?" Rose followed him. "I came here to see you as well."

"Mm," Narinder didn't seem convinced.

"It's true. This is our second time meeting but I see you as a good friend," Rose said.

Narinder's ear twitched and muttered a curse in eldritch. "I need to make a detour."

Rose looked at him. "Oh?"

Narinder summoned his scythe. "Work..."

"I see," Rose understood.

"You may wait here. I won't be long," He told her.

"Very well," She nodded.

"I apologize," He said.

"It's fine, go ahead," Rose assured him.

Narinder left after that. Rose enjoyed the flowers in the meantime until he returned. It was some time when he did come back, his duties having taken longer than expected.

"Sorry about that, they wanted to say their goodbyes," He explained.

Rose looked back up. "Loss takes a toll on everyone. I have said goodbye to my late husband, and many of my dearest friends... but my heart still aches for them."

Narinder looked behind her, then nodded a bit. He saw them... for the time being, there was only a man and a beast creature from what he could assume. The man must have been her husband and the other must have been one of Rose's friends.

"Are they behind me? Those I have lost?" Rose asked, suspecting someone was behind her. Not in the usual way...

"They are," Narinder answered her.

Rose said nothing and stood up. When she turned around, she could see nothing. "In my faith, the physical body dies and the soul lives on. They say that the deceased watch over the living, and those they loved and befriended in life. For as much as I try... I cannot see nor feel them near. I do not know if I am not meant to or if my mind is too clouded to see them. It's more than likely the former."