For Sebastien. The fastest finger. The quietest goodbye.
The Ghost’s Goodbye / ಭೂತದ ವಿದಾಯ (Bhūtada Vidāya)
The lighter belonged to SEBASTIEN. The sniper with the ghost’s eyes. The man who pulled the trigger without breathing. For Sebastien
Xander flicks the lighter. Once. Twice. No flame. Just sparks.
Xander stands. Pours cheap whiskey onto the concrete. A Kannada ritual he learned from a fallen friend in Bengaluru. For Sebastien
He exhales. For once, there’s no quip. No explosion waiting.
(to the night) Fight’s not the same without the ghost. But I’ll carry your scope in my ribs. Always. For Sebastien
(whispering) Ninna neralu irodu... nanna gundelide. (Your shadow still lives... in my chest.)