Long Live Short-Legged Superheroes

"She's not my wife..."

When Russell mentioned the woman in the photograph, Thomas looked utterly lost, as if his soul had left his body.

"If she's not your wife, then whose wife is she?" Russell asked with amusement. "Thomas, why did you hang another man's wife on your wall? Uh, and smile like a kindly old father while doing it?"

"I am a kindly old father."

Thomas muttered softly, then said, "This ghost... Mr. Angel, what do you want with me? I mean, aside from scaring people, do you have some other business?"

"More accurately, I'm not looking for you. I'm looking for your son, Arthur Curry."

"Arthur! What happened? Did he get into trouble again?" The moment Russell mentioned his precious son, Thomas immediately became guarded, afraid the visitor meant trouble.

"Relax, I mean no harm..."

Russell narrowed his eyes slightly, sending a chill through Thomas's heart before he said, "So he was drinking at a bar. Thank you for your cooperation. God likes honest people. May you go to heaven after you die."

"What! What bar? I never said that!"

Thomas jumped in fright. He instinctively recalled Arthur saying he would spend the whole night at the bar, but he was certain he had only thought it and never spoken the words aloud.

"Thomas, people may lie, but their hearts won't..."

Russell patted Thomas on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm a good person. I won't do anything to your son."

With that, Russell strode out of the room, politely pulling the door shut behind him.

Thomas stared blankly at Russell's disappearing back. The thought of his son Arthur made his heart skip a beat, and he hurriedly opened the door to chase after him.

But when he opened it, he found himself facing the sea, salty wind blowing