Flash Fiction February 2026 Day Nine: A Voice In The Dark (Xialing)

 Flash Fiction February 2026 Prompt: Voice (write a complete scene using dialogue alone without any dialogue tags or exposition)

“Two jobs: put the offerings for the ancestors and sweep the floor, that shouldn't be too bad. If I’m fast I can still make it in time for sword practice! What's that glowing stuff? That doesn’t look like a torch. Hello, is somebody there?”
“Can you see me?” 
“Not exactly, but I can hear your voice just fine. Are you the little blue glowing fuzzy outline that looks vaguely person shaped?”
“Yes, I am. I can come closer if that helps.” 
“Oh no, that’s fine. I’m just here to clean up quickly, and leave this basket with offerings for the ancestors to keep them happy. I wouldn't want to accidentally crash into you.” 
“That’s very kind of you to keep up the shrine so dutifully. It is greatly appreciated. If you need to clean I won’t keep you.” 
“No it’s okay, please, stay. Or can you at least tell me your name before you leave?”
“You’ll learn that eventually.”
“So should I just call you ‘Voice’ for now?”
“Sure.”
“Alright then, ‘Voice’ it is. Hey, Voice? Can you describe yourself to me while I work? It helps to form a mental picture, and it’s nice to have company for otherwise boring tasks.”
“Of course. It’s nice to have someone to talk to.”
“Makes the time go faster too.”
“Yes, it does. Obviously, you already know the glowing blue part so that’s out of the way. I’m a bit shorter than you are, my hair is almost curly and pulled back. The clothes I have on are pretty plain without much adornment.”
“Could you describe them for me?”
“There is a dress with a long skirt, a shirt with flowing sleeves, and a robe tied with a sash to keep it all together. Of course I have shoes too, and my lantern.” 
“Why do you have a lantern?”
“To light the way.”
“The way to what?”
“You’ll find out eventually.”
“Voice…Are you an ancestor?”
“I am, just not your ancestor.” 
“If you’re not my family's ancestor, how come you’re here? Don’t you have your own shrine?”
“No. I’m looking for someone.” 
“Who?”
“My brother.”
“Why?”
“To bring him back into the light.”