localweirdo | City Inbox

Hah! Bother is a bit of an understatement, but - what's done is done. I'm infinitely pleased that every day into November will take me one day further away from October.

But the questions are... perhaps a bit strange. I wasn't sure how to word them, but I suppose I ought to give it a try regardless.
I was thinking, when is a death not a death?
Or rather, does the act of coming back from death make the death any less of a death?

[.................................]

I think the better question is what happened? Because I am very well aware that death is not permanent here and it makes me wonder why you would think such a thing.

I am assuming that things were okay, correct?

Well, in one shape or another, it is okay. Or rather, it will need to be okay.
But to clarify, I didn't die, and there isn't a specific person's death I am thinking of.
Given the way this city is, however - if death is not permanent, then is it still death? Or is the finality part of the definition what makes death truly a death?
Sorry, I don't know if I'm making sense. It's just been something that has been on my mind.

Then that's good to hear! I was worried that something might have happened! But now that there is nothing to fear, I think I can confidently answer your questions.

In my opinion, it might not be death considering that it is not permanent. However, that does not mean one does not experience death. The issue is knowing that one could face it multiple times.

Truly, you've a kind heart, Miss Hu Tao.
And yes, I was thinking much the same. Just because death doesn't end a life, doesn't mean you don't experience it - and nothing can erase that experience.
I suppose there's nothing much one can do about such a thing. It is the way of the world.
But that also makes me wonder - would funeral rites help? Is there a place for them?
Are funeral rites just for the people left behind, or is it also for those who have experienced something that should have been the end?
Would it be a meaningless gesture, or would it have meaning still?

In cases like these, I suppose a funeral rite would be beneficial. While death is not permanent here, it would probably help those who dealt with such a terrible thing. It's not a physical death but perhaps a spiritual one and thus why a funeral rite would be helpful.

A spiritual death...
Yes, that's the way to think about it. I hadn't considered that, but it sounds right.

Of course, it doesn't have to be elaborate given how death isn't permanent here.

Perhaps a simple writing of all their fears into a letter before burning it? Or maybe burying it somehow? However, in the end, it is up to the client to decide.

Oh, I hadn't thought of that. Almost like a ritual to move the spirit and soul.
If nothing else, it means something to the people doing it - and it will mean something to the people left behind.
Did you know? Having to wait on that train platform for the one who died to return - I never want that to happen again. The wait is lonely, I think.

...

Now I am curious. Are you sure that nothing happened at all?

No, no, not to me.
I've had to wait for a friend, though. She died much earlier on, back when I first arrived. I was just recalling her death and how it's changed my thinking in this world.
You really are kind, though. Thank you for caring, Miss Hu Tao.

Then I am assuming she is safe and well now? Because I really would rather not have to go through that ordeal once more.

And that she has at least required some level of peace in regard to what happened.

She is. She seems well, now, with smiles in abundance.
Though I don't know how much peace she is able to attain. There's so little I know about what death is like; perhaps she's used to it, but that's not something I can easily accept.

And there is no need to. Acceptance regarding death can take quite sometime and when people don't know what lies beyond our borders. Even more so when one knows you can come back to life here.

It isn't natural so it's normal for you to not accept it and especially not here.

I suppose so.
Thank you, I think I've straightened out my thoughts a little.
Perhaps I'm no closer to a true answer, but it's given me quite a bit to think about.
Ah, I hope I'm not strange for contacting you about this out of the blue.
And thank you for your time, Miss Hu Tao.
My heart is a little lighter.

Not at all, feel free to contact me at any time! It's not that I have much to do and the boredom is killing me!

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