Mia clutched the Palm Pilot-journal close to her chest as she stepped into the city, looking around curiously. The sadness of crossing over was momentarily forgotten as she took in her new home, its old-fashioned looking building and strange people, many very pale figures with blond hair and others like nothing she had ever imagined before--like the woman who appeared at her elbow and spoke to her.

Mia did a double-take, her mouth falling open in shock. The woman looked like a life-sized rag doll haphazardly sewn together. Her first thought was that it must be make-up, but looking closer...her skin actually looked like fabric, the stitching like real black thread. If it was make-up, it was extremely convincing.

C'mon, Fey, this is the afterlife, she chided herself. Who knows what kind of people you're going to meet here? The thought reassured her, and Mia was able to offer a sincere smile back, ducking her head apologetically for her rude reaction.

"I'm so sorry! I'm new here--I didn't mean to stare like that. I guess I do live here now. My name's Mia Fey."