Ann and I

6.We Talk_ Ken And I

He entered the room through the window. Looking dazed, as if he is in some other world. He is shivering constantly and altogether presents a pathetic picture for the ghost he is. White as chalk, tattered clothes, blood shot eyes and a rope with a deep Crimson mark at the neck. He died that way, I guess. And his little spirit has not known rest since then. The little bulb in the room is fluctuating badly as soon as he as entered and POp!!!!! It burst and leaves us in utter darkness.... I should have known that it would happen. I fumble for a candle and den for a matchbox. By the time I light it and look at the corner where I left him standing, he is gone. "Ken.... Ken...." I search using the little stump of the miserable candle I have... Nowhere in the room; still I can strongly feel his presence. Then I hear a whimper and look up, right above me he sits clutching the wall. Walking like a.. Like a... Battered spider all around the room. It must have been long years for him to enter a human dwelling. I put down the candle and let him do his exploring. It is raining sheets outside. There is thunderstorm roaring outside and inside this dull room... It's me and this lost ghost only. I lose the train of thoughts and feel sleepy. Suddenly he comes down with a thud and I can feel him right behind me. My nerves tingle as they always do but I can feel in my bones that he is not malicious, just lost... As many are. He sits opposite me crouching like a frightened animal who doesn't know whether he should attack or flee when approached. I have to look indifferent otherwise he would be more confused. So I hug my knees and bow down my head. Pretending that he doesn't exist. Outside the cold wind howls like a shackled madman trying to break free... I steal a glance at him and he seem to have crept nearer.. Looking closely at me.. There is blood in his eyes, someone must have strangulated him... And he is so young... So very young.. I softly call his name... The one I have heard in wind... "Ken " he jerks back stunned. Still staring at me I call him softly again " ken" he first stares puzzled and perhaps.... very slowly from the deep recess in his mind..... , kindles a memory." . I am. .. .. Ken.." He mumbles, apparently not talking to me... "Ken" as if he has stumbled upon something he lost a long time ago... And after a century of silence that elapses between his mumbling and my pretentiousness of looking bored, he meets my eyes and softly very softly whispers.... " I..... A..... M.... I.... Am..... Ken......". I couldn't help smiling and agreeing to him.... Yes, you are... Ken. He seems pacified at my responses and looks at the window. The rain has stopped by now and the dawn is about to break. He will go now. He looks at me again and I gesture him to go. In a fluid moment he floated to the window and was out. The sky was changing colour. I finally laid down. There were still a few hours before that witch of an aunt would return.......