Page 11 of My Soul Is His

“Sebastian, interesting to see you here.”

“Berimund, I was hoping we could strike a deal.” To the point seems like the best course of action.

“What’s going on, son? This is an unforgiving place, and I’m unsure what you could offer me.”

Tanca and Giso slip out of their cabins, moving along the grass.

“Marla’s blue demon is going to gut her as a person. Give it to me to free her, and in return we’ll continue to do your job.”

They all cross their arms, and Berimund’s green gaze bores into mine. “Our job?”

“Yes. If you haven’t noticed, ever since we’ve made it here, we greet each soul and explain what is happening and how to cope. Without Marla’s attention, I believe it would be chaos. We always take the stragglers along and find them companions to keep a balance in this realm.”

Giso looks to Berimund, and Tanca uncrosses his arms. “He’s right. The awful twists of terror don’t last as long. The souls’ drops have been better since they’ve gotten here.”

“We’ll discuss it and get back to you. Go on now.”

Berimund never breaks eye contact, and I nod before taking off toward the hut my dove is sleeping in.

Five

Marla

Sebastian isn’t here, and my heart feels hollow. I wonder if his words were lies. I want to believe everything he utters, because he’s the closest I’ve ever had to a normal life, and he sees me as I am.

My mind is a labyrinth, twisting and turning, playing cruel games. One day, I’m swallowed by a suffocating sense of worthlessness, the world dull and muted, and the next, it’s like a switch flips, and I’m alive with a renewed, invigorating perspective. Nothing ever seems rational, and I hate the highs and lows.

Shifting on the scratchy dead grass, Chloe holds my hand, and I find comfort in her touch.

“It’s going to be alright, Marla. You’re so strong.”

I bite my lip. “Strength is a double-edged sword. Whenever someone states that, it’s comparable to a temporary bandage which doesn’t help anything but the person saying those words. Being strong is the only thing we can be. Living with mental illness inside and out like here, what other choice do we have?”

Chloe shifts until she’s sitting upright, and I do the same, leaning against the hard straw. “I’m sorry, that’s true.”

“Nah, don’t apologize. I bet you’ve heard the same phrase ten million times while you walked on Earth. It’s our reality, isn’t it?”

“Did you want to talk about the past?” Her mohawk is messy, and she twists her fingers, a nervous habit I’ve noticed.

I lean against my knees and remember my friendship with Jess, but I know it’s over and I have to find comfort in others.

“It’s best to meet people where they are now. We aren’t who we were. Our history has molded us into the person we are, but dwelling on it won’t change the outcome. Our minds do that enough for us, eh?”

“I’m thankful I met you.” Chloe’s voice is meek. I wish I could transfer what I see in her to her mind to boost her confidence and become a better version of herself.

“Of course. Let’s check where the guys are. How do you feel about Sid?”

We both stand and I stretch the muscles in my back. I’ll never get used to resting on the hard ground.

Simple things I miss from Earth- pillows and comfort. That first invigorating cup of coffee, the satisfying drag of a cigarette—mundane moments you don’t appreciate until they’re gone.

“He’s a good guy. I really like him. I’m so grateful I found a circle of people who care, you know?”

I squeeze her hand because she’ll never know how much I understand. While helping souls benefits them, over the years it’s given me a sense of humanity again and fills me with purpose. On Earth, I could aid no one and although it seems pointless at times here, at least I try.

We walk out of the hut together. Sid is lounging against the front of it and stares at Chloe with a smirk. Despite the horrorsaround them, I believe they can find love. I hope their hearts discover solace in each other.

Scanning the ruins of the forest, I note the damp scent of decay and the eerie quiet that hangs in the air. Branches reach out at grotesque angles and the sky is a burnt orange swirl.

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