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One moment they are old and wrinkly and squeezing each other’s hands while saying goodbye to their children and their grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren who will be able to remember them. They share a kiss and close their eyes, peacefully emerging to another plane of existence.
“Death was quick,” Kate observes, with as much certainty as can be administered on the occasion.
“It was,” Anthony agrees after a moment, a noticeable change in the timbre of his voice.
They do not linger into any philosophical or religious debate on the matter of the Afterlife or lack thereof. They proceed to the most pressing matter.
“Are we still married?” Kate lifts her hand for evidence of a wedding ring still adorning her finger. It is there. Sparkling and comforting as ever.
“Mystery solved, I suppose-”
Kate doesn't let him finish because she is surprised to look at the hand of a much younger woman stretched in front of her. “What is...?” The fact that it hers registers and she gasps with a giggle.
Having a mirror somewhere there would have been handy, but as it is, they rely on touching and patting and second guessing each other's observations and comments until they fully accept that they are young again. Not just young. No younger or older than the day they met. And now it is Anthony’s turn to gasp when he sees the outfit wrapping his wife’s once again youthful body.
Her teal riding habit.
“You haven't worn this in ages.” The ravenous look is almost undercut by nostalgia.
“I thought it would be a nice touch and just like that I appear to be wearing it!” She giggles and the greedy feeling to see him again in that suit is all the nudge she needs.
“Very neat." He smiles, tipping his top hat. “I wonder…”
One tiny glimpse of one specific neighing sound and they both sit on saddles.
“Oh, Anthony.” Kate nuzzles the horse’s hair, noticing it is the same horse. Or is it a very strong memory of that horse? Afterlife’s rules are still a little foggy. One thing is quite crystal clear, though. Some unfinished business can finally be tended to. “Time to enjoy my victory lap!”
“Was it, though?” Anthony pulls the reins, adjusting to the sensation of being a young man again. No back pain, no tiredness after standing too long. Just a heart ready to burst at the sight of his beautiful wife. “A lap following a victory?”
“This one will be,” Kate announces and gains a head start. Again.
“Oh no you won’t!”
And off they go. Happy and together in eternity.