Some I Knew Passed Away Three Months Ago

Someone I knew had passed away, and I only learned of the news just recently. I am still thinking about it up to this hour, and it feels different because this girl was my neighbor. Late 30s, a bit mysterious, and had a blemished reputation in our community (being seen with her could lead to being judged for having the same character). We were not close; we never had any proper conversation, just casual greetings when we saw each other in shared spaces. So, it was a bit of a surprise when I got invited to her birthday. I went anyway because it was just in the clubhouse.

When I was at the party, there were drinks, music, and food. I also noticed guests like me (who also looked like they barely knew the celebrant, but were there, awkwardly smiling). I said my greetings, left after a while, and that was the last time I saw her. I thought that was (a bit of a) weird experience, but it was something new to me. It was my first time attending a birthday celebration of someone not close to me. Fast forward... Apparently, time talks. What the other neighbors said about her was true, and some people had proof of her continued wrongdoings. Someone even posted her on an online group, warning others. I was saddened to learn about this. I think she just needed good people around her. But that was that.

Earlier this year, I had a dream about the same neighbor paying off some debt (this was before she departed). It was out of nowhere. I wouldn't say it was scary, but it felt eerie. I didn't put much thought into it. Now, after learning of her passing (which happened three months ago), a part of me instinctively feels like the "debt" in the dream was metaphorical. You know the saying, "to everything, there is a price to pay"? That immediately came to mind. It terrified me at first, but I can only pray that her soul rest in peace.