[Ah, now that's the million rupee question, isn't it. The Shade smiles, knowingly, thought it is without mirth or joy.]

Promises. Regrets. Life presents a few to everyone - some greater than others.

[Unfortunately, direct questions don't work that well on century-old spirits. And she is quick to redirect the subject.]

Is it truly so dreary? That is not the adjective I had in mind when it was constructed.