Night (Part Two)

Norman stood in the kitchen. Screaming.

“Cyubo!” he cried.

The cube appeared in a plume of red smoke. There were strange reflections in its eyes. Reflections that no human was meant to see.

“You called.”

“Cyubo, I know it hasn’t been one whole night yet, but you have to bring me back to life! Right now!”

The cube remained silent.

Norman’s heart sank.

“Please, Cyubo! I need to talk to my mom. Bring me back. Please!”

The cube floated above his head.

“I am sorry, Norman. But, as you have seen with your astral projection power, my abilities are not limitless. I cannot bring you back.”

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Norman felt like he was choking.

“I asked you to help me fake my death. Not for you to actually kill me!”

The cube whirred.

“I told you that for one day and one night you would be able to see the effect of your death through astral projection. Nowhere did I mention bringing you back to life. You accepted those terms.”

“Please,” Norman whispered.

“I am sorry. You have five hours, twenty minutes, and six seconds left on this earth. I suggest you make the most of them.”

The cube vanished.

Norman wanted to collapse to the floor.

He didn’t.

He floated up the stairs. To his mom.

He found her on his bed, asleep.

Norman wrapped his astral arms around her.

For five hours, nineteen minutes, and seven seconds, he apologized. He apologized for all the times he had sworn at her. For the times he had told her to get a job. For the times he hadn’t understood.

For the times he had chosen his father over her.

Norman told his mom that he loved her.

That he wished she could hear him.

Then he told her goodbye.