We entered our house, and I placed the candies on the table.

"Well..."

I joined my hands and closed my eyes.

"I offer these sweets to the soul of Yuki. Accept my offering, Yuki..."

I opened my eyes and sat down at the table.

"Ready, you can eat now."

"I'm still amazed that you know all that."

Yuki took a chocolate bar and started devouring it.

"Delicious!"

She's so adorable. I hope she'll feel better soon.

What I just did is called an "offering." There are legends and traditions about offering things to people who have passed away. That's what I did. By offering the candies to Yuki, she can take and eat them, and since I can use my power to make her take things, she can enjoy the taste and feel like she's digesting the chocolate... In other words, it's as if she has a physical body. Unfortunately, that chocolate will have to come out sooner or later. That's one of the disadvantages of this ability.

"By the way, Saik, I couldn't see any ghosts today. Why?"

"I told you before, not everyone becomes a ghost."

People think that ghosts are everywhere, but it's not the case. Only very few people can become ghosts.

Yuki is one of those rare cases.

She died a violent death and felt regret because she wanted to keep living, which is why she became a ghost. It's a highly painful process, but that's why only those who really want to stay alive become ghosts, as they're the ones who endured the most pain to be able to remain here.

But not all murdered people become ghosts. If those who die had relatively long lives, even if they're killed, they don't become ghosts. It's more likely to see the ghosts of young children.

And the reason there aren't many ghosts is that they're forgotten.

"Yuki, ghosts, when they're forgotten, disappear. It's very rare for the deceased to become ghosts, and if they do become ghosts, they'll only be ghosts as long as their family or friends remember them. And when those people forget about them, they'll stop being a ghost and will go to paradise or hell... Or that's what I've heard from other ghosts."

"T-then... Am I going to disappear?"

"I don't think so... Not for now. I remember you very well, and so does your mother. As long as your mother or I are alive, you'll remain a ghost... I don't know if that's good or bad."

"It's good! Yuki won't be alone anymore! I'll be with you until you die of old age! Don't worry, dependable Yuki will bathe you when you can't move anymore. Fufu."

Not being alone anymore... You're afraid of being alone again, huh? Don't worry, Yuki, I won't abandon you... Well, at least not while I'm studying. I'll find you a home after I graduate, because I... Oh... Will I really do it? I haven't decided yet if I will or not. I'll think it over with my pillow.

"... That would be uncomfortable. No, thanks."

"Fufu. Are you embarrassed?"

"Not really."

"Boo. I can't even make you smile, cold guy."

"Sorry."

I took one of the candies and unwrapped it.

"But, you know... You're a fun and adorable girl. It wouldn't be so bad to have you with me until I die."

"... Huh? W-what weird things are you saying?"

Ah, her face turned red. Why? Did it embarrass her that I said nice things? I thought women liked hearing that kind of stuff.

"You'd be like my servant."

Yuki got angry and started giving me a furious look. Ah, she didn't catch my attempt at a joke.

"I'm just kidding... Though you'll have some household chores, like doing dishes and laundry. You won't be freeloadin'."

"W-well, that's fair. After all, it's your house."

"Our house."

"Huh?"

I stood up from the table and patted her head.

"I told you before, didn't I? We're a family now. This is your home too. I'm gonna go play some video games."

"Y-yeah... Thank you."

A family... I missed having someone like that... A trustworthy person.