Keeping Secrets (Book 1)

Chapter 21: Emails

The night passed by painfully slow. I kept tossing and turning, unable to fully fall asleep. All I could think about was trying to get more answers.

Eventually, around four in the morning, I gave up trying to sleep. I knew that no matter how much I tried, I wasn't going to be able to do it. So I grabbed my laptop, having come up with a plan while I tossed and turned all night.

I immediately went back onto the author's site, looking for the contact information I had seen last night. I hadn't thought about it then, but if I could talk to this guy, I'm sure I'd be able to figure things out a whole lot easier. I finally found an email address at the bottom of the page. My only hope now is that it works.

This guy probably wasn't even going to see the email, or if he does, he's not going to respond. But right now, reaching out was the only option I had left. I needed to do this.

It took me a lot longer than I expected to write out that email. I kept going back and forth over how much information I included. Eventually, I decided to include as many details as I could, figuring that if this guy were to read it - even if he doesn't answer me - he'll know what's going on right now. Maybe he'd even do something to help from wherever he is, too.

With a sigh, I leaned back against my pillows. The sun wasn't even close to rising yet, so my room was still rather dark, aside from the faint glow of the streetlight coming in from outside. I felt tired enough to actually fall asleep, but I knew I wouldn't be able to.

It was only a couple minutes later when I noticed the hallway light turn on. The light seeped into my room from under the door, and it was enough to make shadows dance along my walls. Mom must be up, since it was getting close to the time she needed to leave for work. I never realized just how early she got up everyday. I don't know how she does it.

I leaned over the edge of my bed and grabbed my crutches. There was no use staying in bed now that I wasn't the only one awake anymore. Might as well go say hi, since I can.

As soon as I stepped out into the hallway, Mom poked her head out of the bathroom, her face half-done up with her makeup. "Good morning, sweetie," she said. "What are you doing awake?"

I shrugged, moving a little further down the hallway so that I was closer to her. We didn't need to wake my dad up right now by talking loudly in the hallway. "Couldn't sleep."

She dropped her makeup brush onto to the bathroom counter and stepped into the hallway to place her hand on my forehead. I leaned away from her touch, knowing I wasn't sick.

"I'm not sick, Mom," I told her. "I'm fine. Just not tired." Except my body betrayed me, yawning as I tried to get out that last word. So much for not being tired.

She chuckled. "Yeah? Why don't you try to get some more sleep, okay? I'll see you later tonight."

I nodded, knowing she was probably right. I should at least try to get more than a few minutes of sleep tonight. I may be sort of okay now, but later, I would definitely pay for staying up all night.

When I got back to my room, instead of going to sleep, I grabbed my phone. I debated with myself for a minute over texting Travis, but I decided against it. He wouldn't see it now, and would ultimately end up worried about me when he did see the message.

I went to open a game, figuring maybe playing something mindless will help me get to sleep. But before I could click on the app, an email came through. Curious, I went to check it. It was probably a junk email from some random list I ended up on, but it was something to do when I couldn't sleep.

To my surprise, it was a reply from D.H.R.

I sat up, suddenly wide awake again. I hadn't been expecting a reply at all, let alone barely an hour after sending the email in the first place. I read:

Dear Mr. Dylan Fletcher,

Your devotion to this issue is astonishing. It amazes me that you've reached out to me as quickly as you have. This might come as a surprise to you, but I've been expecting an email from you.

I saw potential in you since the beginning. The devotion, the motivation, the drive you have for something you care about is extraordinary. Not many people your age, especially not many in your situation, would have stepped up the way you have. It's truly admirable.

As far as your expired ghost issue, the solution is simple. Well, it certainly depends on your definition of simple, but knowing what I know about you, I'm sure you will have no difficulty in completing this task. You must make peace with Death. Obviously, you have offended him. Make amends and he will call back the expireds. He wants them out of the world just as much as you do. Concerning the modern ghosts that you seek, that will depend on the level of sincerity of your apology to Death. A few well-chosen words might just bring your sister back to you.

Now, I don't know exactly what you said to Death to anger him the way you have. Obviously a lot, considering he sent a poltergeist out for you boyfriend. Again, this could be solved simply with the right kind of amends.

If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am not a fighter like you, but I can offer advice when need be.

Sincerely yours,

D.H.R.

P.S. I'm glad you enjoyed reading my book. I do hope Travis didn't charge you too much for it, as I left it in the store for you to find and it wasn't part of his stock.

I stared at my phone, trying to process the words on my screen. I don't know what I was more shocked at: the fact that he answered me or the fact that he's been watching me this whole time. There was information in there that I hadn't included in my email to him, like the fact that I have a boyfriend or Travis' name. I only mentioned my friend's dead mom. I didn't know how I felt about this guy knowing my life like that.

But he was helpful. Granted, I had to go make nice with Death, which was going to be a challenge - definitely not simple, like he had said. At least it was a direction to start in.

And having a place to start seemed to be the key I needed to finally fall asleep.