We returned to where our parents lay and began moving all four of them back home. But they were so heavy that we could only lift one side at a time, rolling their bodies bit by bit until we finally got them onto the wooden board. It took a long time, but at least the distance wasn't far.
I went into Lina's house first and used magic to open a hole in the center of the floor—large enough to hold two adults. Then, Lina and I carefully placed her parents inside.
It was time to cover them. This would be the last time she could see them. Lina probably had a lot she wanted to say.
"Lina, do you want to say something to your parents?"
"Of course. There's so much I want to tell them."
When you're saying goodbye to your family, it's hard to speak with someone else around. I decided to leave her alone and tell my parents my own secret.
"Alright, you go ahead. I'll talk to my parents too."
"Mm."
I sat down beside my parents, took a deep breath, and began speaking in a soft voice—quiet enough that Lina couldn't hear.
"Dad, Mom… actually, I have memories from a past life. I came from another world. It was a peaceful place—no magic, no Brave, no Demon Lord. Compared to this world, it was completely different. There were tall buildings everywhere, and fast vehicles that could cross long distances in less than a day. Most importantly, everyone could read and write. And then…"
I told them everything about Earth—what kind of world it was, and how I died.
"When I opened my eyes and saw this world, I was shocked. I thought I had survived somehow. But when I saw you two and realized my body was different, I accepted it—I had come to a new world. I don't know why I kept my memories, and I didn't want anyone to find out, so I hid it from you. I'm sorry."
My voice trembled. My nose stung.
"Dad, even though you always hugged me without showering—and Mom always came to rescue me from your smell—those moments made me feel what a happy family was."
My vision blurred. A warm droplet fell onto my foot—tears. I wiped them away with my hand.
"You asked me to protect Lina. I did. And I'll keep doing it. I'll live long, longer than you two, so… so…"
The words broke apart as more tears streamed down. My nose clogged, my chest hurt.
(Don't cry. Smile. You have to smile.)
I forced a shaky smile through my tears.
"Thank you for these six years. I love you both."
I finished. Now I just had to wait for Lina.
When I turned to her, she was still talking to her parents, tears glistening in her eyes. I could faintly hear her say:
"I'll live well… so don't worry about me."
Then she lifted her head and looked at me. Our eyes met. She wiped her tears quickly and nodded—she was done. I walked over.
"All done?"
"…Yeah."
"Then let me say a few words to them too."
I knelt beside her, looking at her parents.
"Uncle Gray and Aunt Yalisa, I promise I'll protect Lina. You can rest easy."
With that, I placed my hand on the ground and used earth magic to close the hole.
"All done. Now it's my parents' turn."
We went to my house next. I opened another hole in the center of the floor and placed my parents inside. But before I could cover it, Lina spoke.
"Karen, I want to say something to your parents too."
I nodded, but she hesitated, fidgeting slightly.
"Can I… talk to them alone?"
"Of course."
I agreed and walked away far enough that I couldn't hear her.
(I said I'd respect her privacy… but now I'm dying to know what she's saying.)
I paced back and forth, curiosity burning.
"Karen!"
Lina called for me. I returned quickly, unable to resist asking,
"Lina, what did you tell my parents?"
"I'm not telling you. That's between me and them."
"You're not badmouthing me, are you?"
"Of course not! I just—won't tell you!"
She puffed her cheeks and turned away. I couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Alright, alright. A secret's a secret."
I looked at my parents one last time and used magic to fill the hole.
(I hope… wherever you go next, you'll find a family as warm as this one.)
It was July 30th. They had all died yesterday—July 29th. I burned the date into my heart.
Finally, we had finished burying our parents. Now came the rest of the village.
"Lina, next is everyone else."
"Mm."