The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

Chapter 55

Everyone's really taking their 'protect Sunshine' job way too seriously.

Oh, also, she's sick.

"We are protecting you," Uncle Tommy says.

"We're all here for you," Kat quips next to Tommy on the wrap-around couch.

"We did such a good job last time that we had to come back and do it again."

Nolan is on Tommy's right, sinking down, hugging a pillow to his chest.

"And the time before," Kat nods.

Mhm. "And the time before that," Sunshine says.

"And the time before that," Tommy grins.

"And the time before that," she repeats.

"And then I moved home from Australia."

Kat smirks. "So you really protect us."

Nolan pipes up. "Mostly I just get you in trouble." His finger pushes up on his eyebrow as he lazily looks around.

"That's true," Tommy wheezes, "actually."

"Good point." Kat rolls her eyes.

"Remember that time you got yourself kidnapped? That was awesome."

Nolan smiles. "Yeah, it's not the first time either."

Everyone laughs.

Sunshine smiles softly. She's missed times like these, just sitting and spending time with her family. She just wishes she knew why she feels so tired and distant all the time now.

"So," Tommy says, "are you gonna practice your, thing here?"

"Well- I- I think, isn't that what- that's kinda what he was saying that she should do," Kat explains, "like, practice."

"What's that word... your..."

"Mentor," Tommy and Kat say together.

"Yes. Practice teleportation." Tommy smirks.

Kat brushes back her hair. "So....I don't know how you practice that."

"I don't know." Tommy shrugs then looks at Sunshine. "What'd he say?"

Sunshine grunts and slowly stands up, walking into the middle of the living room. "He just said to- like- focus and-"

"Wait, where are you going?" her mother calls.

"I'm— gonna teleport!"

Tommy rolls his eyes. "Why don't you teleport off the couch?"

"Well— cause I'm already over here now, so I can't retel—"

"Somebody's cranky," Kat mutters.

Sunshine feels this sudden burst of anger and there's this picture behind her eyelids of Sunshine choking Kat to death. Her heart nearly stops and she falters. What the hell? Why- why did she see that?! "Welcome to my world," she sarcastically says back, trying to cover up her horror.

Thankfully, no one seems to notice. Tommy and Kat are too busy talking.

"Okay." Nolan leans up and waves a hand toward the two adults. "Don't listen to them, just— do ya thing, girl."

Tommy laughs and Nolan cracks a smile. "Have you ever said that before in your life?"

Nolan gets comfortable on the couch. Kat sits back, smiling in amusement.