Unfinished Life

It is night. A deserted road, surrounded by dense forest from all sides. Near that road, deep inside the jungle, lies a ruined cremation ground whose iron gate keeps opening and closing repeatedly due to the strong blowing wind. From every direction, the cries of wild animals echo continuously.

In the middle of that cremation ground stands an old peepal tree, covered in spider webs and torn pieces of human clothing. Beneath it lie scattered animal bones and dry leaves. In the trunk of the peepal tree is a large hollow, from which white smoke and a faint light are slowly emerging.

Inside that hollow exists an entirely different world of spirits. Muddy paths stretch ahead, with ruined houses standing on both sides. Dry peepal leaves lie scattered across the road, stained with blood. Piles of human bones are spread everywhere, and a cold wind blows constantly.

In the sky, the moon has turned blood-red, and shadowy figures can be seen flying across it.

Walking along that path is a young man, around 20–21 years old. The sound of dry leaves crunches beneath his steps as he moves forward slowly, like a half-dead person.

As the boy walks ahead, spirits follow behind him, staring at him with silent curiosity.

After walking for some time, the boy reaches a crossroads. In the middle of the crossroads stands an old man — long white hair and beard, eyes completely red as if filled with blood. The nails on his hands and feet are unusually long, darkened because pieces of flesh are stuck within them.

Seeing the boy approach, the old man walks toward him. As he comes closer, the spirits following the boy quickly hide inside the ruins.

The old man stops before the boy and asks…

Old Man (Spirit):

“You seem to be new here… what is your name?”

The boy stops and looks upward. Blood is flowing from his head. The old man places his hand on the boy’s head. A white light emerges, and the boy’s wound heals instantly.

The old man asks again…

Old Man (Spirit):

“Looking at your condition, it seems you have just arrived… what is your name?”

Boy:

“I don’t remember my name… where am I?”

Old Man (Spirit):

“You are in the place where those come after death, whose life ends before their purpose is fulfilled.”

Boy (shocked):

“What… am I dead? I can’t remember anything.”

Old Man (Spirit):

“Yes… and do not worry. After some time, everything will return to your memory.”

At that moment, all the hidden spirits come out laughing. The boy becomes terrified the moment he sees them…

And suddenly, he disappears from there.