Phoenix walked into his room to find Auden curled up on his bed. He paused and observed him. His friend hadn't been himself as of late. He'd be quieter, not nearly as active, and had complained about being tired. How a ghost could be capable of feeling tired, he did not know.
The ghost barely glanced up at him. "'M'tired."
Phoenix frowned. "You've been getting worse all week." He sat down beside him. "Do you have any idea why?"
Auden shook his head weakly and closed his eyes.
Phoenix's lips formed a thin line as he thought. "...Auden, how long have you been here?"
"Couple of months...why?"
Phoenix hesitated, but then asked, "Do you get the idea that you're not supposed to be here this long?"
Auden opened his eyes again to look at him. "What?"
"You're dead, Auden. You've been haunting the living realm and it's obviously been taking its toll on you. You're fading. You need to go home."
Auden shifted, trying to raise up, but only managing to slightly prop himself up on his arms. "But...you and Della...you need me here..."
Phoenix shook his head. "We'll manage. You need to rest."
Auden persisted. "But...they don't have oreos there..."
At that, Phoenix couldn't help but smile. "We all have to make sacrifices." He placed a hand on Auden's shoulder as he opened his mouth to protest. "Please, Aud. Do it for me."
Auden stared up at him, his eyes full of sadness and exhaustion. Without another word, he slowly faded, leaving Phoenix on the bed alone.
He stared at the spot where his friend had been, feeling tears sting his eyes. He stood and walked into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of whiskey. It was all he could think to do.
