Chapter Five: A Stranger’s Relics

“I’m only twenty-four.” “Which is why this file can’t exist.” The certificate had been issued six years ago. In the photograph, Xia Mi was eighteen, with the crescent scar behind her ear. The family field was blank. The person who had identified her body was Wen Yu. He started a tape. Waves hissed, followed by his younger voice. “Pier Seven, echo test eight. If anyone hears this, remember: a death prevented does not disappear. It transfers to the person nearest the one who wished.” Then came He Chen’s voice. “Turn it off. You haven’t even met her. You shouldn’t do this for her.” Young Wen Yu answered, “But I’ve already dreamed of her death seven times.” The tape ended. The laundry room tilted beneath Xia Mi like the deck of a ship.