(2)

"But your light was gone," I say as I flip the final card, this depicted a crow with crimson eyes staring straight at Matthew and standing on an old rickety sign with an arrow on it, "the old sign you saw was that way to get back onto your path. But the crow swooped in at the last minute. And you stared it in the eyes."

"Ok? But what does that mean?" Matthew asked in confusion.

"It's snowing outside. As it was snowing when you fell asleep."

Matthew stared sadly into my eyes, slowly coming to the realization.

"N-no, it can't be," Matthew said stumbling out of his chair, "this can't be the truth!"

"Your body was too weak to fight the cold, you went peacefully in your sleep."

I phase through the bar and slowly leaned down to him helping him up. He began to bawl as he hugged me.

"If I could, I would have tried to save every lost soul I met in this tavern," I said as I sat him back down at the bar and collected my cards, but sadly, I only show their paths, from where they began, where they walked, to where they must continue to. That is the comfort I try to give the lost."

It was silent for a while, another custom my patrons made to respect those who have made it to the end of their paths. Then Matthew spoke once more with a much calmer voice.

If I am dead, I would like to know your name. I would like to remember the person who was able to comfort me in this dark time."

I paused for a moment. I never had a name for people to call me by. But the longer I thought about it, I was given many names, but one stuck out to me. Since the name references travelers, I figured it would be a fitting name for me.

"You may call me... Meili."

"Alright then, I thank you, Meili." Matthew said with a warm smile, possibly the warmest it's been in a long time.

In the corner of the tavern, a large lizard being stood and spoke in a booming voice.

"Well, now that we know his path. Let's send him off the right way!"

The rest of the tavern cheered and began to resume their tunes and dancing, with a few of the patrons pulling Matthew into the crowd. I felt a little better for each soul I send to die knowing that they won't be sent off in a whimper of pity, but a cheer of good fortune and joy. And when Matthew was finally sent on his way through the doors, the snow had cleared. And a beautiful meadow under the warm blanket of the sun was in place of the gloomy fog-covered path. I watched as Matthew walked away as the door closed behind him.

To the ones that worry about going the wrong way in life, that lost their lives too early, that are just beginning to walk their path, it doesn't matter how lost you are. I will be here, keeping a seat open at my bar, so you can tell me about your travels.