GHOST 👻 (A Paranormal Romance)

Spirit World

Eyes closed, I hear Dr. Roy's hypnotizing voice in the background. "Lizzy, it's very important not to let go of this cup. It's a protective token. It will keep your spirit grounded here on earth. Remember, if you feel you're in danger, this will be your fail safe. Your spirit body's path back to us. Whatever happens, don't lose your focus."

"Alright, I'll try." In my mind's eye, I see myself floating above my body, as if I'm in some sort of suspended animation.

"Good. Now, I want you to think back to the last time you saw your mother alive. The last time she used her magic."

As I drift into a dreamy, relaxed state, I'm suddenly aware that I'm standing in a drafty old house where I lived with my mother until I was six. The rooms are darkened by night time. All the lights are off, but I see one light burning brightly. A candle shining in my mother's bedroom. Walking towards her door, I peer into her old room. It's her! I pause a moment at the surreal scene of my mother seated at her desk, writing in the grimoire. Seated with her back to me, she seems unaware of my presence.

A curtain of blonde hair masks her face from my view. She's completely oblivious to me. When I peak over her shoulder, I see demonic symbols and strange writing in the grimoire entry she's working on. As I watch her, I sense someone's watching me, as if they're hidden out of sight. Frightened, I swivel around. Peering into the darkened corners of the room, I find no one there.

"Yes, that's right. She secretly worshipped the devil, sweetie!" I scream, nearly dropping the grounding silver cup as an old hag enters the room, advancing towards me.

"Who are you?" I ask the hobbling witch.

"Just a friend. I guide humans when they're on this astral plane." The creature is so ancient, it looks like a mummified husk. The voice so worn, I can't tell if it's supposed to be male, or female.

"Are you an angel? You're hideous!"

"Beauty's in the eye of the beholder, love." The creature starts to laugh, but ends up hacking, as if she smokes three packs of cigarettes a day. Scraggly white hair surrounds her sunken face. Her ring covered, withered hands, look like claws. I turn back to look at my mother. She seems oblivious to our presence as we stand a few feet behind her.

"Your mother's spirit opened the door to the other realm. I tried to warn her, but she wouldn't listen." The hag's bird like eyes gleam with a detached wisdom, her reptilian face reminding me of an octogenarian snapping turtle. I'm surprised how tired and discouraged she sounds for an otherworldly, ethereal being. "She's re-entered this realm," she whispers, sadly. "Unfortunately, not as your mother." I shiver as the hideous creature tilts her head sideways and takes a moment to let what she's said sink in. "Oh, and this," she lunges forward grabbing my wrist, causing me to drop the silver cup. "It's useless to you!"

"What are you doing? Dr. Roy told me the cup would protect me." Trembling, I take a step back from the spirit.

The guide laughs harshly at me, "Don't trust HIM. He's stupid, but also dangerous. Darkness is using him."

Just then, my mother's back goes rigid. Her form tenses and I hear a low growl erupt from her throat. My heart skips a few beats, before I can move. Terrified, I turn and run to the bedroom door. I want to escape, but it's locked. I rattle the doorknob with all my strength. Behind me, I hear the scrape of a chair as my mother stands. The old hag warns me. "Whatever you do, don't look at it."

"Who are you?" I scream at the guide.

"I'm Kali, Destroyer of evil! Now run!" With that, the hag erupts into flames and turns on my mother's demonic form, embracing it in her arms.