SMOKE SPIRIT

6: ~incomplete painting~

The clap resonated in the big hall as the song ended, and I dropped to the ground with an abrupt move. I looked around me and saw no one; blood pumped in my whole body with a rush when my eye wandered but found no one. The hall was just like a maze; every corner, every wall, and the roof were covered with mirrors embedded on them. There was no room to see clear in it; the only living soul I saw in this room was myself in my big frock. I learned this specific part of the dance from my mother, which I remember she used to perform at night. I never had enough courage to ask why she does that or from whom she learned it but to silently admire her later perform it in my room.

"Wow." Elic's voice boomed in the huge hall enough big to hold a ball dance.

I looked back slight shaken but not scared if he wanted to harm me he should've done it that night in swimming pool. he appeared out of nowhere and stood in front of me.

"I guess, you've gathered yourself till now." he joked and I looked straight to him.

"I mean okay, you don't know me there is no point making jokes." he said embarrassed I nodded. "What help you needs." I said plainly. By the way you dance was actually very good." he said smiling small dimples appearing on his cheeks. "Thank YOU." I said and he raised his brows pursing his lips/.

"Okay so you wanted to be right on the point." I nodded once more, he sulked a little but collected his posture and put his hand in his loose sweatpants pocket. Looking up to me, even he wanted to seem confident right now but his eyes told otherwise. He was hesitant as if how to put those thoughts in words. I mean, can you paint." he looked down and tapped his foot on the ground which made thudding sound he was barefoot yet it echoed in the whole hall.

"Yes," he looked abruptly to me. he came closer I backed off, a pained look crossing over him. his smiled painfully, fidgeting with his hands as he spoke again. "Can you help me complete a painting." he softly mumbled. I froze and my mind went blank, from the look that crossed his face told me he understood that I was perplexed.

"I mean it's okay if you want to think about it." he said instantly.

"No it's okay I will help you." I whispered softly.

"Really." his eyes sparked with joy, it made me sad unknowingly.

"Yes I will." I repeated. "you don't know how happy I am." his voice sounded more childish then manly as if he was speaking with raw emotions in them, god knows what the painting actually is to him; is it a painting of himself when he was alive or someone he admired that he wants to complete it even after dyeing and can't rest in peace because of it. "I'm glad if I would be of any use."

"By the way can I ask a question?" he said hope lingering in his eyes. I nodded, he smiled scratching his nape.

"Why aren't you scared of me?" His voice held genuine curiosity, tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I mean, when I appeared in front of Martha, she screamed and fainted, and then when I tried to eat an apple from the kitchen, another maid saw me and said 'flying apple,' running out of there. Then why aren't you scared?" he questioned, his tone softening as he searched my eyes for an answer.

A small chuckle escaped my lips, though I quickly composed myself. "You know, you can't just appear in front of people like that and do anything in front of them," I replied, my tone calm yet firm. Pausing briefly, I considered his earnest inquiry, realizing the weight of his words and the depth of his vulnerability.

"And you saved my life; I wanted to thank you too. So, instead of saying thank you, I'll fulfill your incomplete wish," I continued, my voice steady as I made my offer. His smile, though shy, conveyed gratitude and relief, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with him in that moment.

"I guess I should take note. You will make a very good ghost," he remarked with a hint of levity, attempting to lighten the mood. However, his words carried a weight of their own, reminding us both of the reality of our situations.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to." the mischievousness in his voice dropped.

"It's okay. You are right I will make a good ghost, I've been that my whole life." I said . his expression shifted to a worried one.

"You are right, I was ghosted my whole life too, but still look such a dumb ghost I am." I laughed painfully and a pained look taking over his expression as well.

"I guess I should go now, I'll meet you in front of the guest room tomorrow, sharp 2 in the afternoon" he paused.

"To show the incomplete painting." he added and vanished from there just like that, the way he came turning into smoke.

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