He says"Hi."

18

Marcus and Daniel made their way out the house and closed the door behind them. After making sure they had what they needed, (phones, keys, etc.), they started their short walk to Daniel's house.

The walk started off calm. Each step created a steady beat against the pavement. The sun, in its descent, cast long shadows that stretched across the suburban sidewalk forming a constant switch from light to dark.

As they moved through the streets, the houses surrounding them stood like silent spectators. Each with its unique character. Some displayed meticulous gardens adorned with a riot of colours from blooming flowers, while others boasted well-manicured lawns bordered by picket fences. The architectural styles varied, creating a visual mosaic that hinted at the diverse stories unfolding within those walls.

"So we're really looking for a ghost?" Marcus asked trying to fill the silence.

"Tch...Yeah, I guess." Daniel replied with an awkward chuckle.

Silence once again accompanied them on their journey.

"I mean... I'm still kind of on the fence about all this. On whether I believe this or not."

"Well... it's not that surprising, Marc. Lia just told us that she's been dealing with this shit."

"That's fair, I suppose..." Marcus replied, almost absentmindedly.

The cold air hung between them like a stifling heat, making the atmosphere feel slightly constricting.

Marcus shifted his weight from foot to foot, his eyes peering around for something, to keep his mind busy. Daniel glanced at his phone, in an attempt to escape the now dead air.

With each step they took, the pressure of the unspoken words grew, threatening to burst forth like a storm about to unleash its fury.

Finally, Marc spoke, "Some of this makes sense to a degree, doesn't it?"

Daniel turned to him with an arched brow.

"You're asking me?" He chuckled.

"Mate, you're a conspiracy nut." Marc replied bluntly.

"Are you serious?" Daniel asked, feigning offence.

"You are the same guy who thought their neighbour was a vampire."

"That was a long time ago."

"That was 2 weeks ago!"

"...Fair. I mean, there have been previous situations of things like this happen. And there hasn't been as much evidence to prove anything other than paranormal activity or..."

"Or what?"

"Or signs of psychosis."

"You sure about that, Dan?" Marcus asked, weary.

"Of course, not. But, I don't wanna rule anything out. Plus, I feel like the latter may be the only one you believe."

"And, what's with the sudden doubt, Dan?

"It's not doubt, Marc. But, even Lia doesn't seem to believe it. So we need to keep an open mind."

"...sigh ...I-I don't know, this is just... a lot to comprehend."

"Be glad you're not the one seeing the dead."

"About that..." Marcus started.

Daniel turned to Marc with an eyebrow raised.

"Don't tell me you're seeing ghosts too."

"What? No." Marcus objected.

"It's just that... if, and I emphasis, if all this ghost stuff is real then... why would dad just visit Lia?" He asked sombrely.

Daniel recognised this tone and inched closer to his friend, putting a comforting arm around him.

"Marc, she was the one to watch him die. So it might have something to do with that."

"Even if that's the case, I lost him too..."

Marcus stopped in his tracks. An exasperated sigh left his lips as his head hung low. Daniel moved to face him. He took his hand to Marcus' chin, gently lifting his head. He looked into Marc's eyes as they glistened. Marc quickly turned his head, biting his bottom lip.

They stood like this for a while. Until Daniel moved closer. He put his arms out and wrapped them around his friend. Marc, plopped his head onto Daniel's shoulder.

As the seconds passed, soft sniffs broke the stillness. Daniel squeezed tighter and simply allowed his friend to feel.

"You know your dad loved you."

"How the hell do you know that? I didn't even get the chance to really know him..." Marc whispered.

"Oh come on, who wouldn't love you?"

Marcus replied with a soft grumble against Daniel's shoulder.

"Shut up, Dan." He said softly.

"You're welcome." Daniel said, patting Marc's back.

They pulled away.

"You feeling any better?"

Marcus replied with a quick nod, still wiping his face with sleeve.

With that, the boys marched on.

***

"I still don't get why you thought he was vampire, though." Marc chuckled as they approached Daniel's front door.

"In my defence, I was watching Interview with the Vampire that time."

"Dumbass."

"...Fuck off." Dan said as he lightly punched Marc's shoulder.

Stepping through the door they quickly took off their trainers and jackets. They ascended the stairs, laughter filling the air, easing the earlier heaviness.

In Daniel's room, they gathered his essentials into a small backpack. Ready for the evening ahead, they made their back to Marc's.