[ WP ] A world where soulmates die at the same time

`` I regret to inform you your husband has passed away.'' 
 
 Aoi almost laughed at the face of the awkward-looking police officer delivering this news to her. Shinji could n't be dead. She was alive. 
 
 And this was either a bad joke or a terrible mistake. The officer was looking at her feet, fidgeting with his cap. He continued. 
 
 `` He was found in a love hotel in Kabukicho, lying in bed without his clothes. No signs of violence or anything unusual. It's a bit early to say, but it looks like a soulmate sync.'' 
 
 `` I think you have the wrong person,'' Aoi said. `` Unless I'm a zombie standing here holding the door and speaking to you, you will agree that I'm very much alive. My husband is at the office. He always works late. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to bed.'' 
 
 She bowed her head and started to close the door, but the officer was not done. 
 
 `` Do you someone by the name of Ryota Matsuda?'' 
 
 Aoi froze. A dreading feeling took hold of her. She opened the door slowly. 
 
 `` My husband has a friend with that name. They went to university together.'' 
 
 The police officer looked her in the eye for the first time, and she could see he pitied her. `` Mr. Matsuda died earlier today. He was involved in a traffic accident near Kabukicho, while leaving the love hotel your husband was found in. We have reasons to believe...'' 
 
 She could n't hear his voice anymore. An oppressive silence engulfed her as everything clicked into place. From his overtime at work to the lack of intimacy in their marriage. All the doubts and suspicions she had buried deep came rushing out. Ryota. He was Shinji's soulmate. It made perfect sense now. Her whole life was a lie. Her marriage a farce. She would be ostracized, mocked, ridiculed. Everything was over. 
 
 Her knees gave in but the officer caught her before she hit the floor. He said some comforting words, but she was n't listening. All Aoi could do was hold on to him, for if he let go she would be truly, completely alone. He did n't let go, and that gave her hope.
