First of all, a special shout out to KL Simmons for the invite and to JA Vassili for creating this challenge.
So, why did I choose to write a short story about a girl who is a tech genius by day but visit the homes of those who think their dead loved ones visit them?
Over a decade ago, I read a book by Jodi Picoult called, Second Glance — about a woman trying to find if there really is life beyond death; but what struck me as eerie is that the author found out through actual research that when a ghost is present, they can drench a spot with cold dew. I vaguely remember them using a penny under a bed and the next morning that same penny was cold with water droplets upon it.
As my own tale began to take shape in my mind, I suspended Picoult's story and got caught up in a childhood memory.
It was the year 1990-something, and my bunny had just passed away. My sweet bunny Minilop(that's what I called him). Weeks later, I fall asleep midday. I think whatever I ate caused serious 'itis' because all I remember doing is flopping on my bed and trying to sleep between my Tasmanian devil plush toy and this huge chocolate colored teddy bear.
I don't recall drifting off to sleep, but as my eyes began to close, the tips of my feet itched. It felt as if some whiskers were sliding across them. So lethargic, I only blinked while reaching my toes to scratch- a flash of gray and a pair of coal eyes materialize at the foot of my bed, for not even a whole second.
I was not scared.
I was just happy.
Years later, I recalled it only as a dream because as much as I praise Jesus and enjoy reading the bible- the world of the supernatural belonged in shows like…Supernatural or Sleepy Hollow.
I tucked this memory in the corner of my heart.
I promise I did not think of Ghostbusters while writing this piece. I just wanted to be write a main character who did not believe at all, but who wanted to find that human connection with those still here and breathing.
I wanted to capture the logic of life, the mayhem of love, and those tiny moments that just can't be explained by science, but it pierces both mind and soul.
I've always admired writers who can create these profound connections through a short story, and I struggle hard with creating short stories, but I hope the message gets across.
Please, enjoy the story!