Ding! Ding!

  The tram zoomed past Ever, full of students heading towards the university. Its electronic bell sounded like it was programmed to be cheerful. He thought back to the little door bell with vintage character that Taylor had installed at Pagoto’s. Was it possible for something inanimate to possess a soul?

  To his left was the park he had stumbled across last week. This time, it was bathed in hot summer sunlight, not drenched in rain. Trees reached out across the footpaths and tickled each other gently, dropping dappled shadows. People leaned against them, sitting in circles, books on the grass.

  There were a few boys in baggy clothes on skateboards doing tricks on the steps that led down towards the fountain in the center. More often than not they stumbled and fell but each time, they would get up, brush off their failure with a big grin on their face and go again.

  Ever sat by the fountain in the same spot that he had last week, right on the edge. He leaned back, dipping a hand into the water. It felt cool against his skin. He leaned back slightly, wondering what would happen if he just fell in; something held him back from trying.

  Part of him was expecting to see Clementine here, which was silly. She was very much in the Underworld now. How long would she possess her earthly memories before they faded away? How long had he held his before he surrendered them to the ether?

  Ever felt a flutter by his side. He jerked his hand up and almost fell into the fountain. He looked down: it was one of the white pigeons speckled with brown that had sent off Clementine along with its brethren. It was close to Ever, close enough for him to reach out and grab if he wanted to.

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  “You scared me,” he said out loud. He immediately felt foolish. It couldn’t understand--

  ^Helloooo^, the pigeon crooned.

  Ever looked around. Death had warned him of talking out loud when speaking with him, in case people thought he was crazy. Did that also apply to animals?

  “D-did you just say ‘hello’ to me?” Ever asked, leaning in towards it.

  The pigeon pecked around at nothing in particular. It launched itself up, a cream and a beige feather coming loose. Ever flinched back as the pigeon flew towards him. He stood up abruptly and started walking away from the fountain. The bird fluttered around his head, not attacking him but not flying away either.

  “I don’t have any food,” Ever said.

  The pigeon flapped in place, staying near him. Its little talons scratched at his right shoulder. It flapped away when Ever shooed it gently. What was it trying to do? It landed in front of him, pecked a few times then looked up at him.

  ^Clementine… is… good?^ This came through as coos, but somehow, the meaning of the words was unmistakable.

  “C-Clementine?” How does a pigeon even say that name? “Uhh, yes, Clementine is in a better place.” I think.

  The pigeon flapped up, a foot away from Ever’s face. It seemed to regard Ever solemnly from side on, before gaining altitude and disappearing amongst the trees.