A couple of minutes after the incident had subsided, Rita suddenly popped out of Shimoya's body.
"You did it, Ryner! I'm so glad," said Rita as she floated toward him and gave him a wholesome hug.
"It was all thanks to you that we were able to overcome that spirit. You were brave, Rita. Thank you," said Ryner as he hugged her back.
"So you can not only see her but also touch her? No wonder you've got no problem with a ghost being your girlfriend," said Jack as he casually picked his nose.
"N-No, it's not like that!" Ryner stammered, quickly backing away, his face turning red. Rita's face flushed, too, and she looked away, embarrassed.
"You're not half bad, kid. You analyzed and learned all my exorcism techniques in a matter of minutes—techniques that took me years to master. Either I'm a good teacher, or you're a fast learner. I'm impressed. Honestly, I'd say you're the one who made this all possible," Jack said, grinning.
"You really think so?" Ryner asked, looking up at him.
"We should work together sometime—check out some haunted sites," said Jack.
"Maybe one day. But for now, that's enough ghost talk," Ryner said, stumbling slightly and landing in a seated position on the floor.
"Ryner, are you alright?" asked Rita, floating closer with concern.
"I'm good. Just feel drained, that's all. Nothing a little rest won't fix," he replied with a tired smile. "Also, Jack... I'm sorry I doubted you and called you a fraud."
"It's all good. I got to prove myself, didn't I?" Jack laughed.
Just then, Thomas entered the room, glancing around. "Is it all over?" he asked cautiously.
"Yeah, it is," said Ryner.
"Where were you, you coward of a ghost?" Jack asked with a snort.
"I was outside the room, genius. Why would I get mixed up in all that?" Thomas replied, rolling his eyes. "Besides, that thing you called upon—a soul reaper—were you planning to summon him to take me away too?"
"I couldn't. You didn't do anything that evil to warrant a trip to the underworld," Jack replied bluntly.
"Oh. I see. Well… that's a relief," said Thomas, sighing.
"I really wanted to, though. Regret not doing it, actually. You were useless during all of this," Jack said over his shoulder as he headed out of Ryner's room.
"What?! I dare you to say that again!" Thomas shouted, rushing after him—only to pass right through.
"Catch you later, Ryner. I'm going out for some booze. Today was a lot. See ya," Jack called out, waving a hand without turning back.
"He was the whole reason we were able to save Shimoya… thank you, Jack Crow," Ryner said softly to himself.
Some time later, Shimoya opened her eyes, only to squint and shield them from the sunlight pouring through the windows.
"You're finally awake. How do you feel?" Ryner asked gently.
"How long was I asleep?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Over eight hours now."
"I didn't have a single nightmare about that spirit. So… does that mean it's finally over?" she asked, her voice trembling with hope.
"Yeah. It's over. You don't have to worry anymore," said Ryner.
Shimoya suddenly burst into tears.
"I don't know how to thank you," she sobbed. "I've been hurting for so long. I was alone. I had no one. I wanted to end my life… but you ended all my suffering. Thank you, Ryner."
"It's okay now. Everything's fine," he said, wrapping his arms around her comfortingly.
After about half an hour of crying, Shimoya finally dried her tears. Ryner cleared his throat.
"May I ask where your parents were buried?" he said.
"They were buried at Bridgetown Cemetery," Shimoya replied.
"Alright then. Do you mind coming there with me?"
"I don't mind… but why?" she asked.
"You ended things on bad terms with your parents and didn't get the chance to speak with them. I'll help you with that," Ryner said, rising to his feet. "That was the whole cause of this mess, anyway. Shall we go?" He offered his hand.
Shimoya nodded and took it.
Upon arriving at the cemetery, Shimoya led the way to her parents' grave.
"Here we are. These are my parents' graves," she said, guilt washing over her expression.
"Just as I thought. They haven't passed on yet," Ryner said with a small smile.
"What do you mean by that?"
"They're right there, in front of you. They're trying to hold you, but they can't," Ryner said.
"You… you can see us?" asked Mr. and Mrs. Loten.
"Of course I can. I recently found out I'm able to see and interact with ghosts," Ryner answered.
"May we ask how you know our daughter?"
"I'm her classmate. We came here today so you all can talk again. Since you can't interact with her directly, I'll act as an intermediary," Ryner explained.
"You really can see them, can't you?" Shimoya asked, her voice soft with wonder.
"Yes. Now, let's begin."
"I'm sorry for lashing out at you, Mom and Dad. I'm sorry for wishing you both dead. I didn't mean for it to happen… I love you both so much. I was just so fixated on things I wanted that I ended up losing what mattered most," Shimoya cried.
"It's not your fault, Moya. Even if we didn't have that fight, it wouldn't have changed the outcome. Don't blame yourself," said Mr. Loten.
"And we still love you with all our hearts. You're our little snow bunny," said Mrs. Loten.
"He said not to blame yourself—it wasn't your fault. And your mother says she loves you with all her heart… because you're her little snow bunny," Ryner translated gently.
"Only my mom used to call me that…" Shimoya whispered, tears flowing again.
"It's time for you to move on with your life. Just know we love you with every fiber of our being, and we wish only the best for you. Please stop dwelling on the past," said Mr. Loten.
"Your father wants you to move on. He says it's not your fault and that he loves you deeply," Ryner relayed.
"If only there was a way to hold my daughter one more time," Mr. Loten murmured.
"Well, there is. Have you ever heard of possession?" Ryner asked. "Take control of my body."
"Thank you, young man," said Mr. Loten as he entered Ryner's body.
"I can feel my hands again… this will be the closest I'll ever be to alive," Mr. Loten said through Ryner's voice. He then hugged his daughter.
"Ryner, what are you doing?" Shimoya asked, confused.
"It's me, Moya."
That nickname—she recognized it immediately.
"Dad? Is that you?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Yes, it's me. It's been so long since I held you. I just want you to know that your mother and I love you. Please move on for our sake, so we can move on peacefully."
"I will," Shimoya promised, wiping her tears.
"Good. See you later, Moya. I have to go now… but I'll always be with you," Mr. Loten said before leaving Ryner's body.
Ryner blinked, regaining consciousness as Shimoya's parents offered their thanks and farewells.
After leaving the cemetery, Ryner decided to walk Shimoya home.
"Hey, Ryner. I want to thank you for everything you've done. You didn't just stop me from ending my life—you ended my suffering. I can't thank you enough," said Shimoya.
"It was a group effort. I didn't really do all that much," Ryner replied, scratching his head.
"Can you close your eyes real quick?" Shimoya asked.
"What for?"
"Just do it."
Ryner closed his eyes—and was instantly caught off guard as Shimoya planted a kiss on his lips. Before he could respond, she ran off ahead.
Ryner stood frozen, blushing, confused, and completely stunned.