God's Gone AWOL

[Bonus Features] 10 Years Later (Part 3)

Pale sunlight filtered in through the misty sky. Birds bounced in the nearby trees, whitling proudly over the dull hum of the city. A gust of chilly spring air washed over the little yard, ruffling Atticus' hair ever so slightly.

He was standing beside the front gate, head tilted up towards the faint blue above. Although he appeared as angelic as ever, his eyes were unfocused and his mind was mostly blank. Ever since he had dropped his letter into the bowl last night, he hadn't been able to think as much or as clearly as before. It was as though part of his brain had shut down, preventing him from holding onto certain subjects for too long.

Bentley... all the details of her death had started to slip away. He could still remember them, but every time he tried to do so, his mind would naturally shift over to the happier memories. The hellfire, the anger, the bloodshed— they were all instantly replaced by sunlight, fresh figs, and laughter. Every time he tried to think about how pitiful his life had always been, his mind jumped to the memories of Damaris, Bentley, Chang-Ho and Frances, and the way each of them had, for just a few separate moments, made the pain of life worth every second.

Something had changed last night. It wasn't just that he had let go of that buried weight. His entire mindset seemed to have changed slightly. And after ten thousand years, he wasn't quite sure how to handle the shift.

"Nu-na!" Chang-Ho called from somewhere behind him. "Wait! Don't forget your little friend!"

Hearing this, Atticus turned around. Chang-Ho was hurrying out the front door, not even bothering to put his shoes on.

"Are you asking to come with me?" Atticus wondered.

"No, I'm talking about this one!" Using both hands, he held up the little cat figurine from before.

"Oh, right," Atticus said as Chang-Ho pressed it into his palm. "Thank you,"

"I wouldn't mind traveling around with you, though. It's too bad my employers would feel differently," he told him. "Just promise me one thing, okay?"

"I've already promised you several things,"

"Okay, promise me another thing, would you?"

Seeing how Atticus did not deny his request, Chang-Ho smiled and continued.

"In addition to the letters afterwards, visit me more often before I die, okay? I know you're an angel and time isn't as meaningful to you, but I've only got so many years left,"

"..."

For the millionth time since they became friends, Atticus was stunned. For his whole life he had been nothing more than a soldier, reporting to people on official business only. With the exception of Bentley, every single one of his relationships was strictly for the benefit of someone else. He had never thought that anybody would actually want to spend time with him, especially someone who only had so much time to offer. It was quite strange.

"I can manage that," Atticus said once he had gotten over the initial shock. "How often should I visit?"

"At LEAST once a year. More, if you're available. —And don't wait until I'm dead to send me letters either. I like hearing from you, you know,"

A warm feeling spread throughout Atticus' heart, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips. Tucking the cat figurine into his shirt pocket, he glanced directly at Chang-Ho.

"Alright then. What if we meet each other again, one year from today?"

"One whole year??"

"Would you prefer nine months instead?"