After the damage had been done, Julia thought that she won’t put anyone at risk anymore. The Cole of yesterday was no more. Even though Silvio said nothing, Julia knew it was her fault.

Julia pursed her lips together, and checked her phone. A notification popped up.

“Silvio’s birthday is today! Wish him well…”

At that moment, Julia was tired of crying, so she didn’t cry again. She shut her flip phone, and clenched her fist.

Julia recalled when Silvio told her about how he first died on his birthday, in front of his mother. She sighed and got dressed. She needed to go on a walk.

She put on a white blouse, brown paper bag trousers, and a black sweater vest. She locked the door behind her, and went down the staircase.

The air was cool and fresh, and the sky was bright, and free of clouds. However, to Julia it was neither hot nor cold, and she couldn’t concentrate on one part of the scenery. The stones on the ground, the stale and wilted grass, and the random flyers that were all over campus, it all seemed pointless.

Julia went in front of the campus, and was about to leave.

“Julia Blossom.”

She turned and saw the chairperson of the magic department.

“I saw you with them. You’ll go unpunished… for now,” she said

“Thank you, Dr. Ice,” said Julia

“But that is the least of our concern. Your attempt to rescue your friend has uncovered information.”

Julia blinked and saw she was no longer there. For some reason, Julia returned to campus.

She walked inside and sat on a bench. She looked at her long nails.

There was someone in front of her, blocking her view. He was dressed in a suit and holding a bunch of flowers. At first, she couldn’t believe that it was Silvio.

“Silvio…” said Julia

He turned and faced her with widened eyes before his face became natural again.

“Oh, it’s you,” he said

“Yeah… I’m sorry,” said Julia

“Sorry for what?” said Silvio

Julia avoided eye contact.

“For hurting Arthur.”

Silvio came closer.

“You should tell that to Arthur.”

Julia nodded. She wondered what the dress up and flowers were about.

“I am going to the land of remains. Will you join me?” he said

“Sure.”

For a second, she was going to assume something else. What a horrible mistake. It made her heart patter.

The two of them walked alongside.

“My mother passed away not long ago, and I… well, she… is not young enough to be resurrected.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” said Julia

He was almost shaking and exhaling with heavy breaths.

They walked and Julia asked to hold his hand. His hand was warm, and hers was cold. They reached the cemetery which had a black iron gate. He let go of her hand.

It was a long walk. On the way, they passed many buildings and pedestrians.

The two of them entered. It was a lake with white and black swans, and ducks. There were various types of trees and flowers planted.

“I’ll be back,” said Silvio

He entered what seemed to be a far-off small office. It was more of a large cottage though, with a rustic brick base, and white walls, along with a tiled flat roof.

So, she waited, and couldn’t help but feel that it was unbelievable that this was where they’d all end up after death.

“Julia, here,” said Silvio

He came back with a small clay jar with handles. His mother’s ashes must have been in it.

“I hope you are at peace… I wish I could say goodbye,” mumbled Silvio

Silvio was silent as Julia stood a bit far away and was quiet as well. She didn’t know what to think.

There was the sweet music of birds. A sparrow landed on a branch near Julia.

Julia watched as Silvio’s eyes followed the ashes as they sunk to the bottom of the lake. He looked like he was struggling to contain himself as he had watery eyes. Silvio turned away and wept. Julia placed her hand on his back.

Amidst this misfortune, there was an uncanny emotion of tranquility. The lush green trees swayed in the calm and soothing wind. Julia wasn’t at peace since she was choked with the restless emotion known as regret. A moth fluttered and landed among the dead leaves and they camouflaged it. A group of ducks came out of the water and waddled in a line.

“Julia, let’s go back,” he said

“You sure?” said Julia

“Yes…”

He still didn’t face her. He took a tissue out of his pocket and dried his face.

They walked back to campus in silence.

“See you in the afternoon,” said Julia

“Oh? Alright,” said Silvio

Julia went back to her room, and got a sheet of plain paper. She then took out her phone to find a photo of Silvio. She folded the sheet in half, and proceeded to sketch him as best as she could. It was done soon, so she used coloured pencils. Then, she wrote “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU” using a marker. She did her best to write a heartfelt message inside with neat handwriting.

“Dear Silvio,

You shine brighter than a star

And you cast your radiance miles away

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Julia Blossom”

She took a short nap after lunch and changed into a long dress.

She called him up.

“If it’s a surprise party, I’m sorry I can’t,” said Silvio

“Well, it’s not,” said Julia

“Oh…”

“Come and meet me at Learner’s Square,” said Julia

She stood at the fountain for a long time until Silvio appeared in his regular clothes and with dark circles.

“Silvio!” she said

He came closer.

“What is it?” he said

“Happy Birthday,” said Julia

She handed him the card.

“Thank you… you made it yourself. I wish I could thank you properly,” said Silvio

“It’s enough for me,” said Julia

He went to the nearest bench and looked back at Julia. Both of them were quiet.

Julia opened her mouth to speak, but only a sigh came out.

“Thanks for staying by my side,” he said

He got up, gave her a head-pat and waved goodbye before leaving.

Julia knew how horrid he must have felt, but at the same time, she felt so alone.

Julia walked away with her head drooped.