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“She said yes?”
“Ahem, let me try to say it like she did.” I crinkled my face. “Benjamin, there are stories. They are legends mostly, but some might be real. Stories about deals struck between spirits and the living. They allow ghosts to return temporarily.”
“Wow,” Logan gasped. “Did she tell you how they did it?”
“It was more of a warning than a recipe.” I adopted Eleanor’s aged voice again. “The cost is great, and the risks might be even greater, but for those who are successful, the rewards can be…extraordinary.”
“Like being able to feel the rain?” Logan asked softly.
“Yes, but first, we have to figure out how to make it happen.”
“We should talk more about this tonight, but now, my man, I must get ready for work.” He leaped out of bed and raced to the bathroom, wearing only his pajama bottoms. It was my favorite way to see him.
Everything was a mad dash, and just as Logan pulled his jacket out of the closet, ready to leave the apartment, there was a knock at the door. It was Lucy again.
“Hey Logan, got a minute?" she asked, sweeping into the living room in her usual dramatic fashion.
"Sure, Lucy, I have precisely three minutes,” Logan replied.
I faded from sight but remained close to listen.
She perched on the arm of the sofa, gripped Logan’s forearm, and looked at him intently. "I wanted to check in to see how you're doing. I heard you talking to yourself again the other day when I passed by."
Logan shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, you know, just thinking out loud, I guess."
"Mhmm." Lucy didn't look convinced. “Be honest with me. Is everything okay? I'm a little worried about you."
"Worried? Why?" he asked.
Lucy hesitated before continuing. "Look, I know we don't know each other that well, but I care about you as a neighbor. And I can't help but notice you seem...preoccupied lately. Like you're interacting with someone who isn't really there."
I watched as the color drained from Logan's face. He stammered, trying to explain it away, but Lucy pressed on.
"I don't mean to overstep, but have you considered talking to someone? My friend, Anna, is a great therapist, she could—"
"Lucy, I appreciate the concern, but I promise you I'm fine," Logan said firmly. He rose and began walking toward the door.
Lucy still looked unconvinced, but she didn't push further. "Okay. But if you ever want to talk, I'm here. Take care of yourself. I do worry about you.”
After she left, I reappeared. Logan sighed and pushed his back against the door.
"Do you think she knows about us?" I asked gently.
He shook his head. "No, no way. She probably just thinks I'm losing it.” He paused. “Fortunately, we know the truth."
He reached out a hand toward me. The simple gesture spoke volumes.
After Lucy left, the tension in the room felt like an invisible fog. I floated beside Logan, a sad smile tugging at my mouth. "That was a close one."
"Yeah, it was," Logan replied. "I'm not sure how many more of those I can handle."
"Look, I've got to ask my friend Cora for advice on this. She haunts the building, too. Do you mind?"
Logan nodded. "Of course. Go ahead. I’m leaving for work anyway. I’ll see you this evening, Ben. Love you.”
“Love you more,” I chuckled.
Floating through the hallway, I reached the alcove where I first met Cora. The space was an unremarkable corner of the building, tucked between two hallways like an afterthought. But for the ghostly residents, it served as a gathering point.
