What happens in the Departed Realm, Stays in the Departed Realm

Boundaries, Bases, and Dead Serious Decisions

James tapped the next item on the board.

"Objective Three—lecture on boundaries. Still open."

Lloyd slowly raised his hand. "Do we have to actually call it a lecture?"

Madeline, without looking up from her notes: "Would you prefer a presentation?"

James offered, "A workshop?"

Harumi added helpfully, "Intervention."

Cole muttered, "Assassination of dignity."

Madeline finally looked up. "How about refinement of social conduct? That way it sounds optional."

Lloyd sighed. "That's worse."

Harumi crossed one leg over the other, eyes cool.

"Let's be clear. It's not about you walking in—it's the lack of awareness afterward. You didn't even apologize properly until prompted."

Lloyd frowned. "We said sorry."

Madeline replied smoothly, "You said it like children caught stealing desserts."

Cole looked betrayed. "That's oddly specific."

Madeline's eyes flicked over to him. "Because I had younger siblings. I know what I'm talking about."

Kiara leaned forward, tone gentler than the others.

"Boundaries aren't just rules—they're protection. Emotional safety. Respect."

James added, "Especially in the Departed Realm. Customs and Traditions blur here because souls arrive from multiple realms and time periods. Lines get messy."

Lloyd ran a hand through his hair.

"Okay, okay. So what should we have done instead? Give me a hypothetical."

Madeline responded crisply, "Knock. Wait for permission. Do not enter if permission is not granted. If it is granted, speak respectfully. Do not assume familiarity."

Cole raised a brow. "So we need a formal script?"

Madeline blinked. "I can draft one, if you'd like."

Harumi held back a laugh. "Don't tempt her. She has templates."

James leaned forward.

"It's about perception, too. People arrive with trauma, unfinished business, regret, and nostalgia. What seems like something small might hit a lot deeper than you realize."

Cole's posture softened.

"Look, I get it. It was wrong. I didn't mean to—well, I didn't think."

Madeline's voice was quiet but sharp enough to cut through the table.

"That is exactly the issue. You didn't think. And yet I was still expected to tolerate it."

Lloyd sat back. "You're right."

Madeline didn't nod. Didn't smirk. Didn't react at all.

Kiara spoke gently but firmly.

"And part of healing means acknowledging that not everything can be laughed off. Even if the room moved on, the person involved might not have."

Harumi nodded. "Exactly. This isn't about punishing you. It's about reinforcing respect."

Lloyd's shoulders dropped slightly.

"Okay. So what's your main point?"

Madeline raised a brow.