Perfect Suicide

Ch. 14 - Does love exist?

I opened my eyes to see the Shinigami Council staring at me. Turning to my left, I saw Zhollo standing next to me with his jaw wide open.

I knew exactly what he was feeling. It felt like I was just in his spot, like yesterday.

"Welcome to Summerland." The one I knew to be Wysdom said.

"Zhollo Kraftens, you have done the unthinkable; taken your own life as if you had the right." Payn's annoyance lashed out like a whip.

I felt Zhollo shudder beside me.

It's okay, I wanted to say.

But I knew better than to say anything. I had to be quiet so the Council could tell Zhollo what 'Summerland' was and so they could give him his option.

"But it is not solely your fault." Expyrience motioned slowly towards me, causing everyone to divert their attention from Zhollo.

My heartbeat started to pick up; it felt like it was making its way up my throat.

"Heavenleigh Myers..." Wysdom shook his head disappointedly. "You have broken one of the three cardinal rules: You have fallen in love with one of the souls you were tasked to assist."

"You purposely helped someone waste the one gift they should treasure no matter what. And for what? Love? Because you both felt 'invisible'?" Payn's voice dripped with hate.

It was obvious how he felt.

"I-" Wysdom held up his hand and cut me off.

"There is no need to say anything; we have seen everything we need to see. I know everything." Wysdom's voice was clipped.

Oh shit, even he's pissed at me.

I took a deep, shaky breath. My heart was beating so fast, part of me prayed for it to just stop.

Could Shinigamis even die?

I wish I knew.

"Because of that, Zhollo is faced with a different decision than you were, Heavenleigh." Expyrience added in.

"You must make a decision." They all boomed together.

"Live as a Shinigami." Expyrience continued.

"Cursed for eternity." Payn predictably interjected with a scowl.

"Or..." The Council stated in unison. "You can receive a Second Life—a chance at life in Ea again, fully healthy without worry of developing any conditions, but..."

My heart stopped.

What?

"Your memory will be erased, everything since the moment you started showing signs of sickness." Wysdom's voice seemed to echo through their chambers, in my head and my heart.

"That means you'd forget Heavenleigh." I could hear the smirk in Payn's voice.

I wanted to throw up.

Fuck. Please, no...

They were offering him something I never could—a chance at life again.

A chance at the life he deserves, the one he had.

"We'll give you one day to think it over. We will summon you when your decision is needed." Wysdom turned his attention to me. "And Heavenleigh, we will also give you a chance to change your decision."

"Because it is clear you are struggling." Payn butted in happily.

"Payn..." Wysdom warned before focusing back on me. "Heavenleigh, you will be expected to tell the Council whether you want to continue on as a Shinigami or start your journey in Hell."