I worked my way up to the bell tower. All modern in design
and nestled between the chapels, this was the common meeting ground of the
western block of souls. I didn’t know many of the people on this side, they
were so modern in dress and thoughts I tended not to be able to have terribly
good conversation with them, but there was one who I knew I could talk with endlessly.
Jenny always spent the early night in the garden by the bell
tower and would make her rounds of the cemetery regularly. I believe she
described herself as a social butterfly once, it fit perfectly. As expected she
drifted through the gardens humming a tune quietly to herself I had never heard
before.
“Jenny!” I called out.
She turned to me with a large grin on her face. She was
watching over some young souls that were playing in the gardens. It’s not like
anything could happen to them now, but we don’t let go of certain traits too
easily. I think it’s inherent in all of us to watch over children, even if they
aren’t ours. Parental instinct if you will.
“Eustice!” She called back to me, “it’s been ages, hasn’t
it?”
“Well time seems relative here. You know that.” She nodded
knowingly.
“What brings you to this side of the cemetery?” She asked
with enthusiasm.
“There seems to be a new presence around, do you feel it?” I
asked.
“Oh… That… Yeah. They are over there.” She said pointing to
the north. Her lack of energy in this response intrigued me more than I would
have expected. Deeply interested I started moving in the direction she had
pointed.
“Oh I see, not really interesting in talking.” She called
sardonically after me, sticking her tongue out.
“You know me, adventure awaits!” I called back over my shoulder
as I waved a hand in the air. I could feel her making more faces at me behind
my back as I continued on.
I came upon two people, real living people, sitting next to a
grave with candles strewn about. The candles cast an eerie glow on their forms.
They were shrouded head to toe in black rag like outfits. I could barely make
out one mumbling something into the night. The other was humming tunelessly.
The first one then started to speak out loud.
“Forgotten souls, hear my call. My name is Alice, I’m here to
hear you and help. Please do not be afraid. Speak to me.” Alice said with determination.
I nearly fell over from laughing so hard. Every once in a
while people do this. Try and ‘contact’ the spirits. My favorite part was the ‘do
not be afraid’ as if they could do anything to us. We are dead. Not much else
one can do.
“Oh great Alice, I’m here.” I said snickering. Living people
can’t hear or see us, so I was taken aback when she turned right to me and
stared in my direction.
-V-
