There was a long queue ahead of them, stretching under a shaded pathway with stone benches arranged on one side for people to rest while waiting. The line didn’t seem to be moving at all.
Ruby and Julian found an empty space on a bench and sat down together.
Julian looked around quietly, and Ruby let out a small sigh, leaning her back slightly.
Across from them, on the other side of the waiting zone, sat a ghost.
He looked quite young probably in his early twenties and he was watching them with mild curiosity. His eyes lingered on their clasped hands, the way Julian sat close to Ruby as if trying to shield her from the breeze. There was no malice in his eyes... just quiet observation.
Julian yawned, his eyelids already drooping. "Wife... why isn’t the line moving..." he murmured in a sleepy tone, rubbing his eyes like a tired child.
Ruby glanced ahead, but the crowd hadn’t budged. "No idea," she replied softly, then turned her head to him with a warm smile. "You can sleep on my shoulder if you’re tired."
Julian blinked at her slowly, as if processing her words. Then he gave a small nod and leaned gently against her, resting his head on her shoulder. His breath evened out as he closed his eyes, comforted by her scent and warmth.
Ruby didn’t move. She stayed still, letting him rest, her hand lightly brushing his arm.
The wind was gentle, carrying the scent of flowers from the temple’s offerings. Around them, the quiet hum of other visitors waiting blended with the occasional soft chime of bells in the distance.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the line began to inch forward.
Ruby gently nudged Julian. "Jules... we have to move," she whispered.
Julian stirred slowly, his head lifting from her shoulder as his eyes fluttered open. They were slightly red, still heavy with sleep.
Ruby’s heart tugged a little seeing him like that. "Sorry... I didn’t want to wake you, but..."
Julian gave her a soft, tired smile, brushing his hair back. "It’s okay, wife... I get it," he murmured, his voice low and a bit hoarse.
He stood up beside her, still blinking away sleep, but stayed close, his hand lightly touching hers, as if to say he didn’t mind as long as they were together.
The line moved painfully slow, as if time itself was dragging its feet.
Julian, already exhausted from the early wake-up and restless sleep, leaned his full weight against Ruby’s shoulder. His head rested there gently, his soft breaths brushing her skin. At first, she smiled—he looked so peaceful, so trusting. But as minutes passed and he didn’t stir, Ruby’s smile slowly faded into concern.
She placed her hand softly on his forehead, brushing back a few strands of hair. Was he too tired? Or was something wrong? Her brows furrowed.
"Jules..." she whispered close to his ear. He didn’t respond.
Her heart picked up pace.
She shifted, letting her hand cup his cheek, trying again this time firmer. "Jules?"
His lashes fluttered, and finally he blinked up at her groggily. "Hmm? Did the line move?"
Ruby let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. "It did... but are you okay? You seem more than just tired..."
Julian nodded lazily, his eyes still half-lidded. "Just sleepy... I feel a little strange, but it’s nothing. I’m with you... so it’s okay."
Ruby couldn’t help but worry.
She wrapped her arm around him gently, letting him rest again.
When the line finally crept forward again, Julian yawned, rubbing his eyes lazily. "I think I’m just tired from the long journey..." he mumbled, yawning once more. That strange, uneasy feeling from earlier had quietly disappeared, leaving behind only the weight of sleep in his eyes and limbs.
But that sleepiness didn’t last long.
As the sun climbed higher, the temperature began to rise quickly. The air felt thick, and by 11:23 AM, it had turned hot enough to make sweat drip down their backs. Ruby wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, her cheeks flushed pink under the glaring sun.
Julian noticed and immediately reached into the small side pocket of his bag, pulling out two neatly folded handkerchiefs. He handed one to Ruby without saying a word.
She looked at him and gave a tired but grateful smile. "Thanks," she murmured, dabbing at her face.
Both of them were sweaty and worn out from the heat and the endless wait. Still, they stayed in line.
Finally, after what felt like forever, it was their turn.
Ruby stood up, stretching her stiff legs, and looked ahead. Her eyes landed on a cube-shaped structure—suspended from a thick metallic line that ran all the way up the steep hill. It looked like a cross between an old-world cable car and a closed glass pod. This was the so-called Liftway.
Only six people could sit in one cube, and the entire temple had just five of these operating. No wonder the line moved so slowly.
Ruby held Julian’s hand as they stepped forward toward the cube. The metal gleamed under the sun, and the inside was surprisingly clean, with a bench running along each side for the passengers. The slow pace, the heat, and the sheer number of devotees made it clear—this wasn’t a place for the impatient.
Still, as they stepped into the Liftway together, Ruby felt a tinge of excitement stirring in her chest.
However, they weren’t alone inside the Liftway. Four more people joined them—two elderly ghosts in White robes, a middle-aged witch holding a prayer cloth, and a quiet ghost with a satchel across his chest. Once everyone was seated, the door closed with a soft clink, and the cube began to rise slowly with a low mechanical hum.
Ruby sat near the window, and Julian sat beside her, their shoulders brushing lightly. As the Liftway ascended, the entire world began to unfold beneath them..lush light purple patches, winding paths, and beautiful view.
Julian leaned toward the window and suddenly pointed toward the horizon.
"Wife, look... that tree over there," he whispered, tapping the glass with wide eyes.
—To be continued...🪄