Starboard growled. He was furious and in pain at the same time.
"Starboard," a voice whispered.
He looked in the direction. It sounded like Sabor.
"Why can't I see you," he asked.
"I'm dead," Sabor pointed out.
"Yes. That's the fault of those no-good apes." Starboard raged.
He felt Sabor's paws on his back causing relief.
"Are you in Heaven Sabor," he asked her.
"No," Sabor replied, "I'm sent to Earth to do good. Once I complete 777 good deeds I can get into heaven."
"WHY WOULD GOD MAKE IT SO HARD FOR YOU TO GET INTO HEAVEN," Starboard demanded.
"Oh, my love," Sabor said, "My heart was filled with hate for the Apes."
"I hate them too. They took you away from Onjino and me."
"I know," Sabor said, "And they hurt you. But it would help if you remembered something. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love endures, and love's not blind. Love is steady. Love reassures. Love is mine and love is yours."
Starboard smiled.
"That's beautiful," he said.
He sighed inwardly. He had no idea he was going to lose Sabor 3 days after they had words.
"I didn't know I was going to lose you," he said, tears falling on the ground, "If I had known…"
"First," Sabor said, "Of course you didn't know. There was no way to know that. Secondly, you haven't lost me. I'm always with you."
"I can't see you," he said, "I can't touch or hold you."
"I know Starboard. The second chance never happened. I died too soon. But the day will come when you see and touch and hold me again. For now, you can hear me."
There was a pause.
"You can also feel me touching you."
"I feel relief," Starboard said, "Is that you?"
"Of course it's me," Sabor whispered.