“So you’re saying,” Zoe stabbed the hard boiled egg with a fork and held it up, “that a goddess cooked dinner for you tonight?”

  “Yes,” he said, resting his chin upon tented fingers. Ever had already said it a few times, but for Zoe, he didn’t mind saying it again. He had to keep reminding himself that it wasn’t normal for humans to see ghosts, let alone primordial deities.

  “And her name was…”

  “Nyx. She’s the goddess of the night.”

  “And that’s why she’s only been visiting you at night?”

  “I guess so.”

  Zoe took a bite out of her egg and chewed thoughtfully. “Well, you can tell her tomorrow that she makes a mean hard boiled egg.”

  Ever gazed at her. “‘Mean?’” His eyes flickered to the egg that she was eating. “It’s not being nice to you?”

  Zoe snort-laughed, grabbing a tissue. “What? No… oh man I think I got some of it up my nose.”

  Ever smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, the way people use these words still confuses me sometimes.” His phone chimed, alerting him to a new notification. “Oh Ted put up a new video!”

  “Ted?”

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  “Oh, Mr. Stathopoulos.”

  “Oh that Ted. Since when were you on a first name basis with him? He doesn't like anyone.”

  “Oh Twistie told me.” Realizing he hadn’t seen her since the day before, Ever filled Zoe in on the budgie's passing and her last wish before flying to the Underworld.

  “Oh poor thing!” Zoe said, hand over mouth. “Good call then that you told me to let her go home with him.” She gave Ever’s hand an appreciative squeeze. The foldout chair squeaked as she shuffled it over to sit with Ever so they could watch the video together.

  “Hello,” a clearly distraught Ted Stathopoulos said. “It’s Ted and…” he took his hat off, dipping his head. “Twistie passed away last night.” Zoe whimpered, dropping her head onto Ever’s shoulder. Her presence was like a candle that spread warmth throughout the cold room.

  Ted sobbed for a moment, blowing his nose on a handkerchief. “She left me a gift. I’m not sure how, but… here it is.”

  Zoe stared in awe as Twistie bounced about the desk, chirping and flapping. She waddled right up to the camera, which Ever had placed on the desk, peering into the lens, before her curved beak filled the screen as she tried to nibble it.

  “She said, ‘thanks for watching!’” Ever said softly.

  “You went there last night, didn’t you?” Zoe asked, and he nodded. “You said that you only understood the ghosts of animals.”

  “I… lied.” The word was acrid in his mouth. “I should’ve told you the night that we went on our date, but I thought it might have been too much.”

  Zoe put her hand on his face; Ever looked up from his shame, peering through the windows of her soul. There was relief there which was good in of itself, but to him, it felt slightly misplaced.

  “You’re allowed to have secrets,” she replied. “But don’t worry, I accept all of you.” She reached across, giving him a hug. It was then that she took the chance to let her mask fall, revealing a spectre of concern across her face.