Spirit of Gettysburg: Soulmates Across Time

Chapter 14

Her ghost husband joined in. "Please try again, Maureen."

"It's stuck." Her mumble was desperate.

"Do not fail me. The boy and I are depending on you. I cannot open the door. Alas, my strength is depleted, gone faster than the Army of the Potomac after hearing the Rebel Yell. We are waiting for you to join us and be a family again. Welcome back to us."

She silently cursed the door and rammed it with all her strength. She bounced back and hit the floor. "Ouch!" Her loud shriek scared her. She scrambled up and rubbed her lower back, bottom, buttocks and upper thighs.

"Are you all right?" His voice was full of concern.

"Not really!" Her voice was a waspish sting. She felt like she had collided with a tractor trailer.

"I wish I could help you." His voice dropped away.

"I'm stymied."

Silence.

"Hey, you!" Her voice was riddled with panic.

No response.

He was gone. Things were a mess. She whirled and fled to her bedroom.

She caught her reflection in the vanity mirror. Her eyes were wide and she looked terrified.. What if they didn't connect? Her poor husband was dying. He needed her help...whatever help that was. She was limp with fatigue.

She slipped into bed and prayed for God's guidance. What to do? She pondered the question until sleep claimed her. Brother, did she welcome its temporary oblivion tonight.

She awoke at eleven the next day warm in her bed and reflected on last night. What would today bring? Her heart hopped like a jackrabbit. Not a good sign.

Hunger and thirst forced her up. She washed her face and glowered at herself in the bathroom mirror. Worry lines like tire skid marks marred her forehead.

She suppressed her anxiety, forced herself to eat a substantial meal and checked to see if he was in his bedroom. The door was locked and silence answered her greeting. Praying out loud for him and despite her aching muscles, she performed some household tasks until bedtime.

For a few days she repeated the same pattern. By the weekend she was a nervous wreck. Washing dishes, another panic wave hit her. Escape! That's all she wanted. The oppressive stillness depressed her and she needed a diversion. Should she climb the walls and hang upside down from the ceiling like a bat? That would relieve her edginess. She was halfway serious.

Maureen rapped her knuckles on the granite kitchen counter and whistled a toneless accompaniment. It looked windy and cold outside. The bare tree branches swayed in the wind and puffy clouds scurried across the pewter gray sky.

Exercise and fresh air were the remedies for her anxiety. Her spirit needed renewal and her stiff muscles a good workout. She wanted to explore her outside world as she had explored her inside world. She wanted a respite from her fears for a few hours.

What to do? Grocery shop! She ogled her supplies. Her essentials were getting low. Grabbing her parka and canvass tote bag from the kitchen wall hook, she zipped up her coat and stepped outside into the mid-afternoon sunshine. Fierce winds pummeled her like an icy shovel.

Author's Note:  Next Chapters Friday!