Mind free.

Only God.

Only Love.

The seething smog of Mumbai glowed in the distance as Shard turned to Pierre who he knew would be right behind him.

“Leave me for a while,” he said quietly. “When you return I’ll be gone.”

Pierre was speechless, the tears welling in his eyes saying it all. He’d known about this for some time – the day, the time, the place – and knew Shard was well prepared for it, but he also knew he was going to miss the old man.

Shard smiled sympathetically and the two men hugged for a moment.

“Allow an autopsy,” Shard said finally. “In fact demand it. I want no confusion here about the cause of death.”

“Of course,” Pierre said.

“This is simply an old man dying at the appropriate time, in the appropriate place.”

“I understand,” Pierre said solemnly.

Mind free.

Only God.

Only love.

After the sadhus left Shard laid out a lunghi on the ledge, and lay down, covering himself with another. He stared wistfully into the deep blue sky, opening his mind for any final thoughts, any regrets, anything at all.

Don’t worry, everything is perfect.