"What a beautiful place," says the boy, looking at the maple trees.

"Yeah, the view is breathtaking. And this weather is so ... Oh, little one, you're shivering with cold! We'd better get you in the car," says Charon, surprised. He opens the old car door and lifts the back seat to let the girl in.

The girl settles into the back seat. Realizing the blanket she's using isn't enough, Charon opens the trunk, takes out a gray blanket, and hands it to her. She wraps herself in it and curls up on the seat.

"Does this thing even work?" asks the boy, pointing at the car.

"This 'thing' is my second baby. Get in the car, kid!"

The boy laughs and climbs into the car.

"I'm gonna make a quick call. After that, we hit the road," says Charon as he pulls coins from his pocket and walks over to a payphone a few meters ahead.

The children wait patiently inside the car while watching Charon insert coins into the phone and dial a number.

"Hello, Morphy?"

"Who dares disturb the lord of...?" comes the deep voice on the phone.

"It's me, Chárontas."

"Ah, the ferryman of souls. I'm a bit busy right now. There's a strange man wandering through dreams he shouldn't be in, and it's bothering me."

"Very interesting, Morphy. So, I've got two kids here, and I need you to keep them in a peaceful dream, keeping them stable."

"I'm aware, ferryman. However, I can only do what's within my reach. The bodies, minds, and souls need to be in good condition for a possible return. I'll calm their minds; you take care of their souls. For now, they're fine, but although time passes slower in your realm, it's still your enemy, Chárontas."

"Thanks," says Charon, who then returns, walking quickly and enters the car.

"Are you okay? Alyssa? And..."

"I'm fine. The blanket is warm," replies Alyssa, now no longer shivering.

"I don't remember my name. I can't remember anything," says the boy, realizing that Charon would've called him by his name if he knew it.

The boy closes his eyes and leans his head back against the passenger seat. He strains, trying to recall something. Noticing this effort, Charon reflects for a few seconds and says:

"Lēthēs. We'll call you Lethes until you remember. Take all the time you need for that." Charon then turns the key, causing the car to make a few clicks and other strange sounds.

"Why are you helping us?" asks Lethes.

The green flames in Charon's eyes flare up, lighting up the interior of the car.

"Because none of them care about you. The big ones don't care about the visitors, and they see them as just another number to check off the list. This system is so unfair. If humans don't make an effort to keep each other alive, no one will. I know well what it's like to be left behind, especially after the times changed with the shift in beliefs. There's no flowery field waiting for me, but there are people waiting for you, and also a chance for a better place. I'll play my part, even if this is my last crossing. You don't belong to this place!"

"Wowww," says Alyssa, surprised by Charon's intensity, even though she didn't understand half of what he said.

Charon turns the key again, and the car starts. He switches on the yellow headlights so they can see through the thick fog. They hit the road, and within a few minutes, the children are asleep.

Chapter Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KviCQ0ln7sM