Permanently Altered

"So, your main job is expelling those demons?" Cody frowns. "Are you exorcists or something?"

I can't help but snort with laughter. 

"Nope, no one prays in this household," I reply, trying to suppress my giggles. "God doesn't exist."

The atmosphere in my small room shifts noticeably. Cody seems to be gradually relaxing. At least, he's no longer clutching the knife in his jacket pocket. I hope my detailed explanations are easing his doubts about our intentions.

"But still, I don't quite understand," He says, trailing off.

"We're more like... contract hunters?" I chuckle. "We track down the supernatural stuff and deal with it, no holy water or crosses involved. Just skill and a lot of guts."

"How do you even start in a job like that?" Cody raises an eyebrow.

"Long story," I shrug. "But let's just say it's not for everyone"

Cody stays silent for a moment. His expression's thoughtful as if he's searching for the right words.

"How do you do it? All those things," He finally asks, gesturing towards me with his finger. "Your wound. It started healing instantly."

"Demons are crazy strong and can play nasty tricks. It would be unfair if we fought with unequal strength. Hunters are just ordinary people, like you. However, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to make catching demons easier. As you saw, Eleonora can heal wounds," I try to explain.

"And you?" He hesitates but asks anyway.

"I can summon flames of energy that expel the demon's essence. But it's a very complicated technique, so I mostly rely on physical strength," I explain, scratching my temple and smiling awkwardly.

Cody nods, though I'm unsure if it's because he truly understands or because he doesn't want to show that my words are in vain.

"Okay, but how do get these abilities if God doesn't exist?" Another question leaves his lips.

Sitting astride the chair, I make myself comfortable by placing my hands on the backrest and resting my chin on them.

"Do you believe in a world that defies common sense and reality? A world where humans coexist with spirits?" I ask smirking, trying to spark his curiosity again.

"Probably not. I don't believe in God either, but I see people with snakeskin, wounds that heal before my eyes, and a bunch of other nonsense that no sane person could explain," He bluntly states. "So it turns out that this world really must exist, or I need to consult a psychiatrist."

I laugh at Cody's comment but quickly try to control myself so as not to offend him with my crude behavior.

"I don't think that will be necessary. Such a world exists. The spirits that hired us also give us all these gifts."

A minute of silence follows for contemplation.

"How do they choose people? Or how do people reach the spirits? I don't understand... it's all so confusing." Cody mumbles to himself.

I realize I have two choices. I could openly tell him that it's simple. Now I'm a spirit too. But something inside me whispers that I should stop here, at least this time. Even the most oblivious person could see that this guy has been under immense emotional strain, so I don't want to add any more burden to his shoulders.

In just one afternoon, his entire worldview has likely been permanently altered. I'm convinced that, to avoid traumatizing him further, I need to stay silent. Allow him to come to terms with this new reality on his own.

I have my set of challenges to grapple with too. My mind is swirling with countless questions, and if Cody were to start avoiding me, finding answers would become incredibly difficult.

"That's enough for today. You should go home and rest. Your parents are probably waiting for you," I gently suggest, so as not to make it seem like I'm forcing him out.

"You're right. It's time for me to go," He says, quickly standing up from the bed.

"I can drive you home," I offer, but only after the words leave my mouth I realize the absurdity of what I've just said.

Yes, he'd be thrilled to share his home address with a suspicious creature. Idiot.

"No need," He smiles politely.

I don't bother trying to persuade Cody and accompany him to the front door in silence.

"You probably don't want to see me ever again, right?" I slyly ask, curious about his thoughts on the matter.

It's not the most appropriate question to ask in this situation, but I don't think I can cause much more harm. Cody lowers his eyes to his white sneakers and kicks some pebbles on the sidewalk.

"Thank you. For everything," He silently answers.

Before he leaves, our eyes meet one last time.

With my hands in my pockets, I watch his back for a long time until he disappears around the corner. I don't even notice how my lips curl upwards. I can't understand why I'm so intrigued by all this when it offers me no benefit whatsoever. I only gain a bunch of new responsibilities.

But as I make my way back to my room, one thought persists in my mind. He might've not given me a clear answer, but it wasn't a no either.