~History Repeats Itself~

Chapter 6

Casper?” Stretch gently shook his nephew awake. The boy slowly opened his eyes, which were soon widened by surprise upon seeing his uncle. He was still adjusting to Stretch’s sudden gentleness, and was still unsure how to generally feel about it. “Oh..hey Uncle Stretch..”
“I got ya a treat, shortsheet!” He put the box of pizza on the young ghost’s lap. “Really? For me?” Casper opened the box while his face brightened but hesitated, looking up at his uncle. “Go ahead..” Stretch nodded approvingly, trying to encourage him. He smiled while watching his nephew soon enjoying his meal for the first time in several decades by the least. “Thanks, Uncle Stretch..” The friendly ghost was beginning to enjoy the sudden change in Stretch, he only hoped it was truly genuine and that it would be long-lasting. “Yea, just thought you'd be hungry..” He sounded guilty while trying to make Casper comfortable again. He couldn't help but to fear that the little ghost would never trust him again, after decades of being mistreated on a daily basis. His thoughts were interrupted upon glancing at Casper and noticing something disturbing. Stretch was shocked at the number of bruises scattered throughout the boy's ghost body. “What's the matter?” Casper asked, instantly noticing his expression. “Since when did ya get all marked up like this?” He slowly reached over and gently touched one on the young ghost’s chest. However he was overcome with nervousness and instinctively pushed away his uncle’s hand. “Oh, it's nothing, really! No big deal..” Casper assured him sheepishly, desperately trying to get the attention off himself. “C’mon, bulbhead..” Stretch took his nephew as if he were something fragile and sat him on his lap, careful not to hurt him anymore. “You can tell me..” He looked into the miniature ghost’s nervous eyes. “Well, uh..” Casper gulped nervously. “Sometimes..you and Uncle Stinkie, and Uncle Fatso kinda hold onto me harder than you guys might first think..” He admitted, looking down shamefully. “Ya mean.. I..I did that?!” Stretch gaped in shock, and all he could do was hold the little ghost close, while his mind began to spin with long-lost memories once again.