MahaF, Chapter 2: Juniper

A sneak peek at the second chapter of my transgressive, dark fiction novel, MahaF. Step onto the ferry and cross the still waters where the dead reconcile with Truth. Souls beget consequence.

CONTENT WARNING: This chapter contains mature and sensitive themes, including discussions of child death, fatal poisoning, and filicide. It also features depictions of the afterlife, manipulated trust by a parent, and themes of reincarnation and deferred grief.

She lay upon the stone floor of the landing and displayed all the signs of a child that was lost, terrified, and uncertain of her future. She raised her legs up to her chest and hugged them tightly to her body. Although the cave is dark, the air around her cold, and the floor damp… she refused to budge. Perhaps she believed that if she remained perfectly still, the nightmare and loneliness surrounding her might end and that she would wake again safely in her own bed.

I turn myself around in the boat to face her.

“Come hither, Juni.” I say, my voice carrying across the cave softly as an inviting, coaxing whisper. I extend the skeletal limb of my hand out for her to hold.

Her head and ears perked at the mention of her nickname and the uncertainty she once felt began to wane.

“Do I know you?” she asked quietly, curiosity overcoming her fear.

“Not yet, child, but I hope so here soon.” I reply.

She looks at my extended form, taking mental note of my calcified surfaces.

“You’re dead,” she stated plainly.

“I am,” I answer.

As if my response somehow perfectly sufficed to cure her initial hesitation, simple as it was, she reached out and accepted the grasp I offered for me to assist her onto the vessel.