Love Letters to the Dead

Chapter Seven

I wake up this morning, and I realize how late I slept in. I check the clock, and it's already past ten! I get out of bed and go downstairs for breakfast.

"Morning, Bailey!" My parents greet simultaneously.

"Morning," I answer, my voice still sounding tired. "What's for breakfast?"

"More pancakes?" Dad suggests.

"Sure," I respond, sitting down at the table.

"So...you've been talking to Dylan?" He asks.

I take a deep breath and tell him. "Yeah, I've been communicating with Dylan. Yesterday, I saw him."

"Hm," Is all Dad says.

I roll my eyes as he puts the pancakes on my plate. He and Mom are sitting down reading the newspaper while I'm looking around the house, trying to see if Dylan is anywhere to be found.

"Are we doing anything special today?" I question.

"No, not anything in particular. Your mother and I are going to see a movie, if you would like to join us," Dad answers.

I shake my head. "No, thanks. I'm just going to hang out here. I'll do some reading and listening to music."

"Okay..." Dad replies.

About an hour later, Mom and Dad both leave, telling me that they'll be back by five. That gives me a little more than six hours of freedom!

I say goodbye to them and return to my room. I start writing another letter.

Dear Dylan,

Oh my gosh, Dylan! Your poem was SO sweet! No one has ever done something like that for me! I swear, if you were alive!

I'm not sure if you heard, but my parents are going to be gone for a few hours. If you want to come out and talk, please do! My parents and I are going to be leaving the cabin the day after tomorrow, so I want to spend these last few days with you.

Also, do you know more about the fifth stage?

-Bailey

I finish the letter, leave it on my desk, and lie down on my bed. I plug my earbuds into my phone and blast some music. About an hour later, I check my desk. Sure enough, there was a new letter from Dylan.

Dear Bailey,

I'm SO close to finding out the fifth stage. I'll tell you tomorrow, I swear. I'll talk to you in a few minutes, okay?

By the way, I'm so glad that you like my poem. I was so scared that you wouldn't like or thought I was weird or something like that. Anyways, see you soon!

-Dylan

Just as I finish writing, I feel someone's hand on my shoulder.

Who could that be...?  I wonder as I feel my eyes widening.

I turn around, and to my surprise, it's Dylan!

"Dylan!" I exclaim, laughing. "It's you!"

"You bet it's me!" He responds, laughing with me.

I stand up and give him a huge hug.

And that's when I realize...my arms don't go through his body!

I grin excitedly, and Dylan does the same.