Page 75 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

I jumped at Alohi’s voice, coming from the library entrance.

“You are wet and it might be best if you change into dry clothes. It’s also late and preparations must be made for the tribute as soon as tomorrow.”

I quickly wiped my tears and nodded. Perhaps I’d find out in the morning whether I’d switched places with Keanu or not. Kāne had said I lit the eternal flame, so I completed the riddle.

Which meant, Keanu’s curse is broken.

Every part inside of me sank as I walked the hallway with Alohi.

“His curse is broken,” I said, my voice quiet.

Alohi gave me a look.

“But it doesn’t mean he’s coming back.”

As I said the words, another thought came. Kāne said “well done.” That meant it was finished.

Keanu’s curse is broken and he is free in the afterlife. Even if I had to carry nothing with me but that, it still gave me peace. Because he would be at peace, and that was something I could live with.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Icouldn’t go back to my bedroom. Not yet, even if I was soaking wet.

“I have to see Kiki,” I said. “I have to tell her everything.” Alohi hesitated, but after begging him, he agreed.

After I knocked on her door, I was surprised that nobody answered.

“Kiki?” I knocked again. The rain continued to pour so how could she hear me? After finding the spare key hidden under a nearby pot, I unlocked and opened the door.

“Kiki?” Lightning illuminated outside.

“Oli is that you?” The voice, along with a warm, cozy light came from the living room. Kiki emerged, a big smile on her face. “I’m so glad you’re back and safe, Oli!”

Why was she smiling so wide?

We hugged and when we pulled away, she grabbed my arm, the smile disappearing as she realized it was me–still in my dark, soaking wet mourning dress.

“Peter is here,” she said, dragging me into the living room and sitting me down. Peter nodded to me, and though he looked tired, he seemed… peaceful. Like after all that happened, especially with the murderer revealed and in prison, he could somewhat relax.

“Tell us everything,” Kiki said. And I did. But as I explained the riddle–how Keanu served willingly in the afterlife, how I lit the flame at the heiau, and how my own sacrifice broke his curse–I couldn’t help but notice how happy Peter and Kiki looked together.

They sat side by side on the settee, their arms touching. Kiki’s attention remained riveted on me, while Peter kept glancing at her, a tender look settling on his face.

He really does love her. And, suddenly, I realized that I would not take the bargain back. I would do it again and again just to see my sister happy with a man who would love and care for her.

This is why I did it, I thought. For Kiki, for mother. And somewhere in the process Kiki found the man she loved and I did too. I could live with that.

When I finished, Kiki sighed and took my hand. “I suppose breaking the curse didn’t return him then?”

“It wasn’t really part of the riddle,” I said, accepting that I’d be a widow with nothing but memories of our time together. Acceptance didn’t take away the fact that I missed him. Deeply.

“We’ll always be here for you,” Peter said.

“We?” I gave them a look and Kiki nudged him.

“Not now, Peter. She just lost Keanu. It’s–”

“It’s alright,” I reassured her and opened my palms. “Well?”