Afterlife

02|The Sorrowful Subway Scene

Everything looks familiar.

My eyes attempt to take in all the flashing lights and the noisy streets. A shiver runs up my spine when I notice how similar this is to New York. My home. That is, when I was alive.

"What is this place?" I ask a bitter Laurence. He doesn't answer back, but eventually, he doesn't need to. A sign hangs in the distance reading: WELCOME TO OLD YORK. I sigh, contemplating how much worse this situation can get.

I guess it's odd to not be grateful about being put in the 'dead' version of your old home. But that is the thing. New York never felt like home. None of it did. My house was almost always empty, but it wasn't like I was there. Most of the time, I was out clubbing. Fake ID clutched in my right hand with fake friends by my side. Just some of the perks of being filthy rich. Key word: filthy.

"This is Old York," Laurence says softly. His voice is quiet, and he sounds like he is a second away from full blown tears. "A place of hope and joy." His voice cracks at the end. Watching Laurence like that urges me to comfort him. Truthfully, comforting people isn't my thing. But seeing a plump middle-aged man whimpering pulls at my heartstrings.

"Are you ok?" I ask before letting out a little yelp. Laurence has fallen onto my shoulder letting tears flow like there is no tomorrow. I should be more grateful when people just say yes.

"It's just. I feel like. William!" I can only understand a few phrases before he wails the last word and starts to cry again. As I pat his head, I try to think of sweet words to say. 

"You're ok, you're ok," I whisper.  I guess those aren't the right words because he begins to cry even louder, soaking my outfit. 

My outfit! When I realize I am in my pajamas, I begin to blush even harder. The more he cries the more attention he draws from strangers in the street. I panic, realizing everyone is seeing me in my unicorn PJ's. In a quick, uncontrollable motion, I slap Laurence across the face and scream, "Get yourself together man."

My eyes widen when I realize what I've just done. I just slapped a crying man. I think being dead is turning me into a worse person.

I didn't even know that was possible.

To my surprise, he stops his blubbering and just rubs his cheek. I open my mouth to apologize, but he smacks a finger on my lips. The people keep moving, as Laurence clear his throat and begins to speak.

"I'm sorry Anastasia-"

"Ana," I correct before realizing I am interrupting his sentiment. "Sorry, go on." He nods and continues.

"I should not be lecturing you about Willy and I's relationship problems. I should be taking you to the castle and showing you around. Thank you for slapping me." He finishes and waits for my response.

All I can say is, "Are you and William a thing." I make my hands kiss like a six-year-old, and he nods happily. To be fair, I never saw it. He notices me pondering their relationship, and quickly comes to their defense.

"He might be a little unaffectionate, but I like to think I make up for that." Now that I can agree with. "Anyways, he is a softy inside! You just gotta know him. We've been dating for 3 years." He smiles and places his hands together reminiscing the memories. I stare at him blankly before he snaps out of it. "As you can see, we have everything you need here. For wardrobe, you can go to"

"Mace-y's," I finish.

But wait. There are more! I keep looking around only to see a couple other stores that were rip-offs from the human world.