Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

“The process sped up the moment you stepped foot into Charon’s
Crossing. And if you try to leave, the same thing will happen to you that
happened to Cameron.”
Wallace reared back. “I’m trapped here.”
Nelson sighed. “That’s not—”
“It is. You’re telling me that I can’t leave. Mei kidnapped me and brought
me here, and I’m a damn prisoner!”
“Bull,” Nelson said. “There’s a staircase at the back of the house. It’ll
take you to the fourth floor. On the fourth floor is a door. You can go through
that door, and all of this, everything will fade away. You’ll leave this place
behind, and you’ll know only peace.”
It struck Wallace then, something he hadn’t even considered. He didn’t
know why he hadn’t seen it before. It was as clear as day. “You’re still
here.”
Nelson eyed him warily. “I am.”
“And you’re dead.”
“Nothing gets by you, does it?”
“You haven’t crossed.” Wallace’s voice began to rise. “Which means
everything you’re saying is bullshit.”
Nelson placed his hand on Wallace’s arm, squeezing tighter than Wallace
expected. “It’s not. I wouldn’t lie to you, not about this. If you leave this
place, you’ll end up like Cameron.”
“But you’re not.”
“No,” Nelson said slowly. “Because I’ve never left.”
“How long have you been—”
Nelson sniffed. “It’s rude to ask about another person’s death.”
Wallace blanched, uncharacteristically flustered. “I didn’t mean to—”
Nelson laughed. “I’m giving you crap, boy. Need to have my fun where I
can get it. Been dead for a few years.”
Wallace reeled. Years. “But you’re still here,” he said faintly.
“I am. And I have my reasons, but never you mind what those are. I stay
here because I choose to. I know the risks. I know what it means. They tried
to make me move on, but I gave ’em the ol’ what for.” He shook his head.
“But you can’t let that affect what Hugo needs to do for you. Take the time
you need, Wallace. There’s no rush, so long as you realize this is the last