Page 84 of Meet Me After Life

‘Bok, bok bok.’

Okay here we go – she’s finding her rhythm now.

‘Bok, bok bok, bok bok, bok bok bok, bok bok, bok bok. Bok, bok bok bok, boooook.’

I look out into the audience and point to Walker. This song is for you, I mouth. He’s hiding his excitement very well.

I know I’m probably a little biased, but honestly, the chickens are killing it.

Not a talon out of place, not a peck out of sync. Incredible. Really.

There’s a build up towards the end, I hope Ron (our resident cock) doesn’t come too early. But no – right on cue, he caws! Big finale! Heel, kick, side to side, plié⁠—

‘Bok bok, bok bok, bok bok, booook.’

Aaaand finish on Jazz feathers.

‘That was great guys, but I want you all back here next Thursday. We’ve still got a long way to go. Las Ketchup is a steaming pile of shit compared to what you just pulled off.’

I clap once and they disperse back into the forest.

‘You run a tight ship.’

‘The chickens will exploit any sign of weakness.’

Walker shrugs like he’d guessed as much.

‘Are we still on for the VVV marathon tomorrow?’

He tsks. ‘I’m away tomorrow. Business.’ His tone is unguarded. Tells me he’s not exactly thrilled about it either.

I try not to let the disappointment show on my face, and replace my falling features with an optimistic smile.

‘That’s okay,’ I reason. ‘Wednesday?’

Walker shakes his head. Ah. Screw his stupid ghost job. He’s going to fall behind on Vampire Vants a Vife after I only just caught him up to speed. Which is the only reason I’m disappointed. It’s definitely not because I’ve been enjoying his haunting or anything like that. That would be… madness. And as everyone knows, I’m very well sane. Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask him about the whole work thing, what does he even⁠—

‘You’ll just have to give me a recount.’

‘Then you’ll just have to come haunt my dreams.’

‘Always.’ His eyes smile, but the rest of him won’t with the others watching. He’s slow to disappear. I wish he was slower.

When he’s gone, I make my way over to the girls. They’re both looking at me like I’m hiding a fistful of lollies behind my back. But my hands are in front of me. And they’re notably empty.

‘What?’

‘What is going on there?’ Lavender pries with absolutely zero subtlety.

‘What?’ I repeat, this time higher. Too defensive. They’ll eat me alive.

She chuffs, ‘Don’t what us.’

‘We’re friends!’ Damnit, they’re gonna crack me like a hot chestnut.

Delilah exhales smoke through her nose. ‘Yeah, right. Friends.’ You know what, I’m beginning to really begrudge her half stone angel genetic make-up that allows her to see him.

‘Friends that fuuuuck,’ Lavender adds.