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She suddenly had one more question to ask Miss Veda. “Miss Veda, when you say Caspian will remain here does that mean he’ll…”

“What, dear?”

“He won’t start smelling or anything, will he? I’m just asking because I’ve seen movies where people come back from the dead because their spouses wanted them back. Almost like Pet Sematary.”

I frowned. “Lakelyn, what the fuck? Baby, do I look like I came back out a damn grave?”

Miss Veda chuckled. “No, sweetheart. Caspian is not decomposing. His physical form is a temporary restoration, not a reanimated corpse. He’ll remain warm, healthy, and physically alive for as long as that form is active. His spirit is still that of a man who died, but the body you can touch functions like a living one.”

I pointed at Miss Veda. “See? Warm, healthy, and still fine as hell. Put some respect on my comeback, baby.”

Lakelyn chuckled. “I was just asking.”

“Nah, you thought yo’ nigga was about to start rotting.”

Willow snorted. “I mean, it was a valid question. If I’m about to be eating breakfast and your ear falls off in the eggs, I’d like a little warning.”

I whipped my head at her. “Ain’t shit falling off me.”

“Good. Because I was not prepared for zombie brother-in-law duties.”

Laughter filled the room again from everyone.

Miss Veda checked the time and sighed. “Well, it looks like my work here is done… for the night, at least.”

Willow frowned. “Wait. You’re leaving already?”

“Yes, baby.”

“But you just got here.”

“I’ve been around a whole lot longer than you think.”

I smiled. “I appreciate everything, Miss Veda.”

She nodded. “Take care of your family, Caspian. I’m not disappearing for good, but things are different now. Your family is here, you’re stronger, and you understand your own abilities far better than you did when we first met. You shouldn’t need me hovering around nearly as much.”

“Damn. You make it sound like you were raising me and finally letting me leave the nest.”

“Some days, it has felt disturbingly similar.” Her mouth curved. “But if you truly need me, I’m only a…” She paused, then dropped her voice into a terrible imitation of mine. “Miss Veda away.”

I chuckled. “That was supposed to be me?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Aight. But it’s good to know you ain’t getting rid of me that easily.”

She smiled then focused on Lakelyn. “And you enjoy your life. You lost six years worrying about questions you couldn’t answer. Don’t waste the years ahead worrying about things that haven’t happened.”

Lakelyn grinned softly. “I’ll try.”

Finally, Miss Veda turned toward Willow. “And you.”

Willow straightened in the chair. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Girl, stay out of them damn walls.”

Me and Lakelyn laughed.