When Spirits Beckon

When Spirits Beckon, Part 1, Chapter 1

14 years ago ...

By the time she was nine, Chloe was well on her way to becoming a really, really spoiled brat.

As the only child, she got her way with most everything. Her parents doted on her like crazy and indulged her every whim, being firm subscribers to the belief that she would eventually grow out of her selfish streak. They railroaded over well-meaning objections from her cousins, uncles, aunts and other relations; and persisted in allowing Chloe to live out her childhood unfettered in every way. There was time enough, they felt strongly, for her to face up to the inherent meanness of the real world.

So, when the cruel world rudely intruded into her comfort zone shortly before her tenth birthday, it came as quite a shock for Chloe. The bearer of bad tidings was her father, who in a few words shattered forever all her cherished childhood faith in her parents' god-like powers.

"We can't go to Disneyland, not just yet," he had told her somberly.

He then patiently fended off her whiny protests about missing this promised and much-anticipated childhood dream theme park visit – until after some time, in between sobs, Chloe finally learned the reason why. Grandpa had cancer, her dad explained. As the only child, he was forced to shoulder much of the medical expenses because Grandpa didn't have enough to pay for himself. Thus, there would need to be cutbacks on some luxuries in their household, and he hoped that Chloe would understand the need to do so.

Outwardly, Chloe expressed her dismay and concern at Grandpa's plight. She even shed tears when her dad gave her a wooden carved elephant; which he told her was one of Grandpa's most treasured possessions. Grandpa had insisted it be given to her now – in case he couldn't be around to do it personally on her next birthday.

Once back in the privacy of her room, with the door closed, however, she let loose the rage that had risen up within her. Chloe had really, really wanted to go to Disneyland - it was a trip that had been promised her since she was four years old. Why did Grandpa have to go spoil it all for her now!

She flung the elephant onto the floor in anger. Disappointed that it wasn't even chipped by the impact, she stomped on it several times but nary a mark appeared. Only her feet hurt from all that stomping, stoking her anger even further. Blinded by fury, Chloe picked up the elephant and angrily stalked to her window, intending to throw it out.

But before she could take more than two steps, a teeny little voice rang out, stopping her dead in her tracks. "That's enough, young lady!" it scolded.

Taken by surprise, Chloe looked around her. "Who's that?" she asked alarmed.

"I'm the spirit in the elephant. Now put me down and tell me why you're being such an idiot."

Her temper temporarily shunted aside by shock, and curiosity, Chloe brought the elephant closer and peered at its face. "You're not really talking to me, are you? You, you can't be. You're... you're a wooden carving," she stammered.

"Of course I'm talking to you. Do you see anyone else in the room?" Chloe heard the strange voice ask. "Are you really that stupid? And do you have a name?"

Chastened, she replied quickly. "Oh, I'm Chloe. What's yours?"

"No one's ever bothered to give me one before," came the reply. "Now, what in the world possessed you to stomp on me like that? It's given me such a headache!"

"I'm sorry," Chloe said apologetically. "I didn't mean to give you a headache. I'm just angry with Grandpa."

"Why?" asked the teeny voice. "From what I've seen, he adores you silly; not that it's any of my business."