Don’t drop off visitors at the door after a wake, or you’re sending them to their own death

Liza: Marco, wait—don’t just drop Auntie Rosa at the gate after the wake last night. You should’ve walked her all the way to the tricycle.

Marco: Why? The gate is literally three steps from the road. She’s an adult, not a ghost.

Liza: That’s not the point. You never drop off visitors at the door after a wake. My lola always said it’s like sending them to their own death.

Marco: Sending them to their death… by a gate? That’s a very powerful piece of metal.

Liza: Laugh all you want, but my neighbor did that once. A week later, the visitor got sick and died.

Marco: Liza, people get sick all the time. Especially older folks. That doesn’t mean the gate issued a death sentence.

Liza: But the timing! After a wake, spirits are sensitive. You’re supposed to protect guests by walking them out properly.

Marco: Or—hear me out—it started as a practical thing. Wakes go late, people are tired, it’s dark. Walking someone out is just good manners and safety.

Liza: Maybe. But why only after a wake then?

Marco: Because wakes make people emotional. When something bad happens later, our brains connect dots that feel meaningful. It’s called confirmation bias.

Liza: You and your science words. Explain this then—my mom always walks people out after a wake, and nothing bad ever happens.

Marco: That’s not proof either. That’s just… nothing happening. Which is actually the normal state of the universe.

Liza: Still, I’d rather be safe than sorry. What if the belief is true?

Marco: Then hospitals should put gates at the entrance and call it a day.

Liza: You’re impossible.

Marco: Look, I get it. Traditions help people cope with death. They give structure when things feel scary. But that doesn’t mean they cause or prevent death.

Liza: So you’re saying it’s more about comfort than spirits?

Marco: Exactly. Walking someone out says, “I care about you. I want you safe.” That part is real.

Liza: Huh. When you say it like that… it sounds less creepy and more sweet.

Marco: See? Same action, less panic.

Liza: Fine. But next time, just walk them out anyway. For my peace of mind.

Marco: Deal. Science allows kindness as a variable.

Liza: Good. Because if something happens, I’m blaming you.

Marco: Naturally. I accept my fate—at the gate.