Chapter 39
Sun has just finished his bowl of Champorado when Uncle Jek opens the door, and in comes Mochi, Tas, Nom, and Pon. The four almost miss greeting Aunt Mika and Uncle Jek because of their uncontainable gaiety, seeing Sun in a different condition than he once used to be when they visited him.
“When did you wake up Sun?” Mochi started.
“Four days ago.”
“And I’m sure you had your first taste of hospital food, right? Hahaha!”
“It’s so fucking bland, Mochi. I had to eat them with a little bite from fruits just to taste better.”
“Good thing that you are already awake P’Sun,” said Pon.
“Thank you, N’Pon. How is your studying?”
“Good P’. Passed all my subjects last semester.”
“That is great.”
“Is it true that Doctor Doom caused your accident?” asked Mochi.
“Yes Mochi. He was the one who hit me.”
“How? How did it happen?” asked Tas.
“Remember seven months ago during my birthday? I went to a store to buy some cone for the ice cream.”
“Yes, I remember. You went out to buy something while we were having desserts.”
“I tried to beat the pedestrian light, but I failed. Then, with the cars on go, Doctor Doom hit me before I can reach the other side.”
“Why didn’t your aunt and uncle sue him?” The question came from Nom this time.
“This is the same hospital where Doctor Doom works as Chief Surgeon. Since the accident, he has been my attending physician and agrees to pay all my expenses here. Also, since the accident was my fault, Aunt Mika and Uncle Jek did not press charges against him: I don’t think we would win even if they did.”
“There were only two weeks of school days left when you had your accident, Sun. Too bad you did not finish the semester.”
“Yeah, and speaking of that, what schoolwork did I miss?”
“Mostly exams in our major subjects Sun,” said Tas, answering the query.
Before anyone can ask another question, Aunt Mika interrupted, “Excuse me, everyone. Can you stay here for a while and look over Sun? We will just go and meet his doctor.”
“Krap auntie,” answered Nom.
“Thank you N’Nom. If there will be any problem, just call the nurse station using that phone.” Aunt Mika points to the white phone mounted on the wall behind the bed.
“Just exams Tas?” continued Sun as Aunt Mika and Uncle Jek leave the room.
“Yes. As far as I know, only…Oh, there is one more. In our lone minor subject – Literature – Professor Ptolemy had us join a university-wide quiz bee. Mochi and I were the ones he assigned to join last semester,” said Tas.
“And how did you fare in that contest?”
“We placed third. Our score in the competition was converted to classroom grades.”
“How about the others – those who did not compete – what score did they get?”
“He had them take the exams, so Mochi and I were already exempted from it.”
“You can talk to him on what requirement you will do for completion,” added Nom.
“Right. Oh, wait, I don’t see Gan.”
“He’s at work in the pharmacy,” answered Tas, having to think at first if he will answer or not.
“Ahhhh,” was Sun’s simple reply.
“Uhm, Sun, what happened to you when you were asleep? Do you remember anything?” asked Nom eagerly.
“Is there anyone in the pantry?” inquired Sun back – just to make sure – before he starts.
Pon takes the initiative and goes there to check. He shakes his head as response to Sun’s question.
“Thank you, Pon. Close the door,” said Sun. Pon obeys and afterwards rejoins the others by the bed.
“My spirit traveled while my body is in here,” started Sun.
“What do you mean?” asked Mochi, confused.
“I ended up in The Underworld.”
“In Hell!?” clarified Nom, nearly shouting. Pon is eagerly listening, while Mochi and Tas cross their arms and look at Sun as if to ask him “Really now?”
“I talked to a god – Thanatos. He is the God Of Death. We made an agreement.”
“Seriously, Sun?” cut Tas in strong disbelief while shaking his head.
“I am serious, Tas. He allowed me to return here in the Human World to solve Exeter’s murder. However, there is a catch.”
“And that is?” inquired Mochi, still with his arms crossed.
“I only have three full moons’ worth of time to complete that task.”
“What happens to you if you fail P’Sun?” asked Pon, eager to know the answer.
“I’ll die.”
At this, the others shiver. Even if they are not Sun, they know the weight of this consequence.
“You know that you cannot do this alone, right?” asked Mochi.
“I will have help: A Sentinel will be assigned to me.”
“Sentinel,” repeated Tas in a straight tone with an interrogative look.
“Yes. It is a spiritual being. They help those souls, who returned back to the Human World, accomplish what they need to do.”
“Mother used to scare me with those when I was young. She said Sentinels would come take my food if I don’t eat it. At night, if I don’t sleep on time, Hukoms will sleep on my bed instead. Sun, these are children’s tales,” said Tas.
“I know this sounds hard to believe, but you have to believe me. I really met Thanatos. I agreed to his deal that is why I am back here now. I even saw Cerberus.”
“The dog with three heads?” clarified Nom.
“Yes. The same.”
“This is sounding more absurd by the minute,” said Mochi. He rubs both his temples while his eyes are closed.
“This Sentinel, when will it come to help you?” asked Tas. He is still in a state of pessimism.
“On the night of my first full moon. Thanatos said he will appear to me on that night,” answered Sun, sounding confident to erase their doubts.
“That is five days from now P’,” said Pon while looking at his phone’s calendar. Sun nods to confirm.
“Do you know where you will even begin with P’Exeter’s case?” asked Nom.
“With his family. They are the ones who know how his case turned out in court, and they know who made the case against the killers. That for me is the best starting point.”
“I agree. That would be the logical action to take.”
“Sun, you’ve been asleep for seven months. Do you mean to say you stayed in Hell for seven months before waking up?” asked Mochi, still not buying anything that Sun has said so far.
“Time does not exist in The Underworld. At least, that is what Thanatos told me.”
“Meaning what exactly?”
“A day here on earth may be longer – a lot longer – down there.”
“How long?” Tas asked.
“I don’t know: it could be a week, a month, a year, or even longer. Thanatos said that even if they have Chronos who controls time, it is unclear how he manipulates it.”
“Chronos? That is a model of a watch, Sun,” said Nom, scratching his head.
“He is the God Of Time.” It was Mochi who answered, remembering the lesson he read in preparation for the quiz bee.
“How do you know that?” Nom asked back, both his eyebrows almost touching each other.
“I answered that correctly in the Literature Quiz Bee last semester.”
“Wait. Sun, what exactly did you do while you were in there?” asked Nom. He holds Pon’s hand after.
“Thanatos and I talked about the details of my returning here. We were traversing the Four Rivers while we did.”
“It took the both of you seven months to finish all that?” verified Mochi, who chuckles mockingly.
“I told you, Mochi, time is irrelevant there.”
“But it would only take you days to cover a river.”
“Not those rivers: they are the size of seas. For me, Phlegethon is the coolest among the four,” said Sun enthusiastically, which is something not being shared by the others.
“Sorry. Flega…what?”
“Phlegethon – The River Of Fire.”
“You know its name?” Tas is now eager to listen rather than reject.
“Yes, I know. Thanatos told me, and I’ve been there.”
“I’m still not buying this,” announced Mochi.
“And how do you expect him to narrate with such details, Mochi? Where do you think he can get all that info?” rebutted Nom.
“From a book that is sold for 250 Baht – 200 if there is a discount promo. Sun, please.”
“You mean to say that I read a book while I was in a coma?” asked Sun, looking annoyed at Mochi who is as if making fun of what happened to him.
“It’s not that,” answered Mochi. He takes a slow, deep inhale before answering. “Okay, I’m sorry, but I just find what you are telling us preposterous – that is all. Maybe…maybe if I see that Sentinel you said, then I’ll change my mind. For now, these are just tales for me. Sorry, Sun,” he continued.
“I understand your negativity, Mochi. At least, if you would not believe me, don’t think of me as a lunatic.”
“I never said you were. You’re still my friend, Sun,” replied Mochi, giving a friendly punch on Sun’s shoulder. “So, when will you leave this hospital?”
“In three days, but it could be sooner if my latest tests turn out good. Why do you ask?”
“So we could give you a hand, at least during this time when the new semester has not yet started,” said Mochi, smiling. Tas can only wish Mochi would smile at him that way like he did in the past when Gan and he are still not a couple.
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“Doctor Doom is so kind, Jek. Imagine he will cover Sun’s bill here,” said Aunt Mika while waiting for the elevator. They had been to the Accounting Office to have Sun’s latest expenses computed.
“Yes. I admire his sense of responsibility,” replied Uncle Jek. There is a beep, and the elevator door opens.
“By the way Jek, do you know where we can get our dates for the new wine we are creating?” Aunt Mika asked as they move up towards the seventh floor.
“Oh yes. I saw this ad on the television about a fruit vendor selling in wholesale.”
“Really? Great! Maybe we can meet with him after N’Sun gets home.”
“That is also what I am planning.”
“Were you able to get his contact details? Any names?”
“Yup,” replied Uncle Jek. He reaches for his wallet in his pocket, and then, brings out a piece of paper from it. “Here. This is the name of the seller, his address, and some phone numbers. Have you ever heard of this businessman, Mika?” he continued, showing the writings on the paper.
“No. Hmmmm, his location is perfect: it is near our factory. I think he is a new merchant. His name is not a familiar one from among the sellers engaged in wholesale business – Mister Patrick Neenga.”