Farewells and forced compliance

Hey, did you hear about how he died?

Apparently he lost it and fell off a roof-

What a fool, I pity the parents

Why did we even show up to this

Quiet, they might hear you!

Heh, your bastards don’t need to worry about it. I can hear you all just fine, not that I mind it at all. As a parent it’s my duty to die before my child and to lead them down the right path, but right now in front of me is my son. I didn’t want to but I lifted up my head to stare at my son’s coffin. It was a unanimous decision to keep his coffin closed, his body was in such a state that it sent shivers down my spine. I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he’s gone or the reaction of those around us. The neighbors said good riddance as if he was a public nuisance, his old classmates didn’t bother batting an eye toward him, what’s worse even the media got involved. They were curious to hear the story of the man that got struck by a bolt of lightning, my reaction to their request was slamming the door in their faces. My son died, and you want his story for damned publicity. What’s worse is since I didn’t budge they got the story from those around us, the result was my son being painted as some public menace. Sure he disturbed the neighborhood with his ramblings, sure his behavior had a negative influence on kids, sure he became the gossip of nosy house wives about failed parenting, but he was my son. I carried him inside me for nine months, raised him with my morals and beliefs, watched him grow up to manhood, and then watched him die. How is any of this fair?

“My son, my dear precious boy…”

I felt my tears start to well up again, that’s when I felt something tugging my sleeve. It was my fool husband, what could he possibly-

“Apparently we can still get a payout if we give them an insider. Looks like our brat was worth something, Ha!”

I froze for a moment, remembering we received letters from media outlets about money they’d give us for coverage on the incident. This bastard, he plans to profit off his own son’s death. No, he plans to profit off my son’s death! I don’t know what came over me after that, I just saw red. Immediately I pounced on him, punching and clawing at his head. People had to pull me off of him, most people called me insane, some even claimed my son got his supposed crazy from me. Let them think what they want, but I’ve made a decision. I won’t let my son be buried here, not in this town. Not with this filth, not with this soil, and certainly not in the presence of this man. Worry not my son, I won’t let you go in a place of animosity.

****

…Huh? Where am I? Last time I was alive was-No! It can’t be true, it can’t be! Why, why did he have to go! I wanted to meet him, I wanted to tell him he was my hero! This isn’t fair!

“Yeah, that sounds about right.”

…Huh? Who’s voice was that?

“You’re a pretty entertaining guy, say how would you like to waltz on a new stage. You were chosen by the gods after all, why else do you think you died in such a spectacular way!”

W-Wait, what do you mean I died! How did I-

*Snap*

With the sound of snapped fingers I saw my last moments, the reactions of my parents, and what remained of me. I felt like vomiting but I couldn’t, more importantly how can this entity do this. To show me how I died, and laugh as they watch my reaction to it. I couldn’t help but seeth, I want to punch the source of that voice so bad.

“Wow, you wanna hit me! You want to lay hands on a woman, wow you’re either a scoundrel or an improper man!”

This Bit-Wait, she’s a woman!?! Wait a minute, she can hear me!

“Yes dumbass I can hear you, what did you expect? You’re a f***ing ghost for god’s sake.”

“Fair point, still it’s rude to make fun of someone’s situation don’t you think?”

“You’re no fun, so are you taking the deal I offered or not?”

Oh yeah she offered me a second chance, well if I had to answer-

“Nope.”

“Splendid! Now le- Wait what?”

“I don’t wanna be reincarnated, just let me pass on.”

I heard silence from the source of the voice, well I guess I got one victory outta this. Now I can finally-

*Stab*

“Gack!”

I felt something pierce through me, I looked down to see what looked like a fork penetrating my body. Wait, isn’t this some sort of trident!

“Bastard, you actually thought you had a choice. How dare you even consider biting back at me, lousy dog!”

“Gah! St-Stop! Are you trying to kill me a second time!”

This witch is twisting the trident while it’s impaled in me, why is she doing this! Suddenly a light began to appear from behind me, and with it came laughter.

“Hahaha, mangy dog! I think it’s about time you learn how to handle a woman, which works out fine considering the situation you’re about to head into. Take care now, my little princess!”

“What! What do you mean by princess, just what the hell are yo-Wahhhhhh!!!!!”

Just like that I was thrown off that witch’s trident and into that strange portal she conjured up. What the hell's gonna happen to me now.