My muse

Matin

"Sir..." A woman with a heavy French accent knocked on the door.

The lady wore a thick wool cloak and gloves adorned with delicate white lace. Once welcomed inside, she removed her wide-brimmed hat with a feather and her coat, revealing a slim waist cinched by a corset.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, madam!" Hamgeray politely invited the lady into the parlor, with the spirit Chally drifting behind.

In the parlor, the lady took a sip of tea and sighed.

"Dear Mr. Hamgeray, please allow me to introduce myself—my name is Emally, and I am truly in need of your help..."

"I am always at your service, Madam Emally, as a detective," Hamgeray replied.

"My poor son... a rebellious boy who always broke the rules… he’s been missing for a year now. And now I feel like a sparrow thrown into a blaze, terribly worried..."

Hamgeray nodded.

"That’s truly unfortunate, madam. But if your son has been missing for a year, why did you wait until now to come to me? Did you report this to the police?"

Mrs. Emally gently touched her curled hair, lost in thought.

"His name is Ross Cavn. He was always a headstrong child, even from a young age. During his teenage years, he frequently ran away, each time staying away longer, and the family eventually got used to it—believing he would return once he ran out of money. But this time, my fear has consumed me. It’s been far too long, and we’ve heard nothing from him..."

Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"After that... in my worry and desperation as a mother, I did report it to the police. When they asked me to describe him, I did my best—his pale blond hair, and the rose tattoo on his neck... But the news I received shattered my heart. Many youths around his age have gone missing. And some, when found... were just dry bones, reeking of chemicals..."

Watching her sob made Chally heavy-hearted. His hand gently reached out to comfort her, but it passed through her.

Chally floated closer to Hamgeray.

"So you really are a detective? Not some con-artist magician?"

Hamgeray shot Chally a glance before looking away.

"Please, madam, don’t grieve too much—it will affect your health. I promise... I’ll do everything I can..."

Finally, Hamgeray Dam escorted the lady out. Before she left, she gave him a look full of hope and gratitude.

"Hamgeray!" Chally called just as he stepped back into the house.

"Hm?"

"What if I’m not a matin? I mean... I don’t think I was a good person..."

The spirit hovered a head taller than Hamgeray, making the man look up.

"Why? Did something come back to you?"

"I was a bad person... Do you believe that?" Chally’s eyes were filled with more sorrow than ever.

"I don’t usually believe people—I prefer to trust myself. But you know, sometimes knowing you were a bad person is better than pretending to be good. I still think you’re a matin."

Time seemed to freeze—long enough for Chally to embrace the unspoken secrets buried deep within.

"Tell me... what should I do now?" Chally softly asked as Hamgeray was about to leave.

Hamgeray said nothing. Just as it seemed he wouldn’t answer, he did.

"Don’t worry too much. But if you can... tell me more about yourself. Maybe I’ll find something that can help you. Do it when you're truly ready... Chally."

"Chally Oilly. That’s my name."

"Very well, Chally Oilly."

Beep beep.

The phone began dialing.

"Ah, hello, Inspector!" Hamgeray quickly spoke when the other end picked up.

Chally moved in close, pressing near the receiver.

"Hello, Hamgeray."

Hamgeray briefly covered the mouthpiece and whispered to Chally.

"That’s Inspector Ageg Vorhuth..."

"Hamgeray? What’s the matter?"

"Dear Inspector, a lady came to me today, seeking help to find her missing son..."

"And… the boy who went missing..." The inspector hesitated.

Hamgeray continued.

"His name is Ross Cavn. When he disappeared, he had blond hair and a rose tattoo on his neck!"

"Alright. It’s unofficial, but I’ll give you some information."