Azael

CRASH!

The sound of a shattering object slammed into the floor, echoing through the living room.

“This is all your fault! If you hadn’t been addicted to gambling, we wouldn’t have ended up like this! The house Mother worked for ten years to pay off wouldn’t be seized by the bank!” The voice of a woman rang loudly, trembling with rage and despair.

“Hu… hu…” A grown man sobbed uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face as he mourned the destruction he had brought upon his family.

“It’s all because of you! We don’t even have a home now!” shouted his younger sister, tears rolling freely down her cheeks.

“Better if you were dead than keep dragging the family down!” retorted his younger brother, his tone sharp and bitter.

“You’ve ruined this entire family, do you even realize that? Ruined!” the sister shouted again, voice cracking with grief.

“I’m leaving. We don’t have a home—better each of us find a boarding house or rent somewhere, as long as there’s a roof to shelter under,” said the eldest sibling, trying to maintain composure despite the turmoil.

“Then just go back to your husband,” the younger brother replied with a sharp, mocking tone.

“Hah… I had to take a break from college and find work. And all this… all because of you!” the younger brother continued, his voice trembling with anger.

“Enough. It’s better if we just leave. As for you… we don’t want to know anything anymore. Where you sleep, what you eat—our bond ends here!” the sister’s words were sharp, her emotions spilling over like a storm.

“You’ve only brought shame to this family, Wan. Enough. This is the last time we acknowledge each other. Leave! Better to die than live burdening Mother and us!”

“Fine, sister. We’ll each go our own way—just leave him behind.”

BLAM!

The door slammed shut with a violent bang; footsteps retreated across the porch, fading into the distance.

From behind the front door, a white cat with piercing purple eyes had silently listened to the entire exchange. It brushed past the three departing figures, grumbling under its breath, leaving the house that had now been seized by the bank due to the elder brother’s gambling.

The cat’s gaze lingered inside, then it stepped forward slowly, deliberate and calm. In the quiet of the living room, it saw the man still sobbing alone, a pitiful figure lost amidst regret and despair.

------------------

On the Brink of Despair

Ridzwan stepped out of the house he had mortgaged for gambling. His body was still shaking with sobs, his lips moving in quiet murmurs, regretting every foolish decision that had led him astray.

“It would be better if I just died… they were right. I’ve only brought shame. My life is ruined… Mother must be so disappointed,” he muttered, his steps dragging aimlessly. Unaware, his feet led him to an old bridge spanning a rushing river below.

He stood there for a long while, staring at the torrential flow beneath him. His mind and heart were in turmoil: should he continue living with this shame, or end it all with regret that might never be forgiven?

Memories of his childhood flashed before him—his mother who tirelessly sold snacks to save money, his sister who always carried goods to school, and himself as a small boy, wearing a tattered hat, selling newspapers at traffic lights.

He also remembered his mother’s departure to a foreign land—Taiwan—to improve the family’s financial situation. For decades, she had been saving to pay off their dream house, a trust he had now betrayed because of gambling. Debt piled up, the house was threatened with foreclosure, and in the end, it had to be handed over to the bank.

“I was foolish… fooled by gambling for a moment. If only I hadn’t done this… our house would still be here. If only Mother were here, maybe I’d realize…” he whispered softly, staring at the rushing water, reflecting the cold morning light with a shimmering glow.

“I’m sorry, Mom… Ridzwan has disappointed you. Maybe a child like me should just die….” His inner voice almost lost amidst the wind that brushed against his face.

All along, a white cat with purple eyes had been silently following him, waiting in quiet observation, calm yet attentive.

BRAK!

The sound of a body hitting the water shattered the stillness. Small splashes echoed at the edge of the river, water rippling and spraying, marking the moment Ridzwan surrendered to his sorrow and regret.

----------------

Between Two Worlds

“I… I’m dead, aren’t I? But… why am I still in this world?” whispered Ridzwan—or rather, his spirit—confused and disoriented.

A cold wind blew, and from its direction emerged a white cat with piercing purple eyes.

“You are still bound to this world. Your regrets are not yet settled,” it said calmly, its voice serene yet commanding.

“A cat? Why is there a talking cat… and why do I understand it?” Ridzwan thought, bewildered.

“I can hear you,” the cat replied, as if reading his mind.

Silence hung in the air for a moment.

“Do you wish to atone for your regrets? If so, I can help you,” the cat continued.

Ridzwan swallowed hard. “I-I want to… but I’m afraid Mother will be angry. She’ll be so disappointed when I return.”

“I promise she won’t be angry,” the cat answered firmly, unwavering.

“Y-You promise? I don’t want to make her even sadder,” Ridzwan hesitated, his voice quivering with fear and hope.

“That’s certain. But you must truly apologize to her,” the cat said.

Tears streamed down Ridzwan’s face once again. He clenched his fists, gathering all the courage he could muster. “Alright. I will apologize, even if she scolds me. I’m ready to bear it all.”

“Your wish is granted.” The cat’s purple eyes glowed softly, radiating a strange, comforting light.

Whoosh…

A dense fog enveloped the bridge. Within the mist, Ridzwan saw a middle-aged woman step down from a bus at the station.

“Mother… Mother!” Ridzwan ran to her, hugging her tightly. He wept, apologizing over and over. His mother cried as well, embracing her son with relief and love.

The weight of poverty had once caused them to hurt one another: a strict mother, a child who did not understand. Now, they were reunited—hearts mature, egos dissolved, understanding restored.

“You’re heading to Yudi’s place, right? Let Ridzwan take you,” he said gently. He knew the way through the cat’s telepathic guidance.

Hand in hand, they walked together, just as they had when Ridzwan was a child.

---------------

Crossing Over

Arriving in front of his brother’s boarding house, the white cat waited quietly by the gate.

“It’s done. Time to cross over,” it said softly.

Ridzwan looked at him, a relieved smile spreading across his face. “Thank you, white cat… thank you.” He stepped toward the bright light ahead.

“What’s your name…?” he asked, glancing back one last time.

“Azael.”

Swoosh…

Ridzwan vanished. His regrets were settled, and his soul returned to its rightful place.

“It’s time to work,” whispered the cat, transforming into a shadowed human figure, before disappearing into the dimness of the night.

Regret often comes when it’s too late—but redemption is always possible for those brave enough to apologize.

Azael.

The Reaper himself.