Halloween

1949

“Marie, you summoned me.”

Marie nodded and turned around to face him. She stood in her bedroom and it felt oddly intimate despite the fact that he had seen her in different bedrooms before.
“I wanted some company,” she said honestly. She walked over to him. “I’ve moved back to America, you probably don’t care where but I’m back in America.”
“I see,” he said.

His brow furrowed and Marie realised that he was staring at what she was holding in her hand.
“Oh,” said Marie as she lifted her hand up. “I found this, when I was moving back.” She opened her hand to reveal a slightly creased but folded handkerchief. The edges were a little tattered but in the corner was embroidered initials. E.M.

“It’s the one I gave you,” he said. He was smiling.
“Yes, I didn’t think I’d have it after all these years,” she said honestly. “Even after moving in with people and moving to Manchester, I still have it. I didn’t think I would after all these years. I suppose you’d want it back.” They did have his initials on. Marie held it out to him and he pushed her hand back towards her.
He shook his head. “No, keep it.”
“Are you sure?” she asked and he nodded in response. “Thank you then.”

They stood in silence for a moment and then Marie spoke quietly.
“I never thought I’d miss you so much,” she said quietly. “When I first saw you, I was terrified you’d kill me and now it’s what I’m waiting for. But there still hasn’t been a fateful moment like you said. I’d assume I know the moment when it arrived.”
“I’m sure you would,” he agreed. “At least, I’d hope you. You haven’t seemed like an imbecile while I’ve talked to you.”
Marie smiled. “I’d hope I’m not an idiot.”

She looked up at him, into his blue eyes. He had been alive at the same time as her. If only she had lived in England or he had lived in America. Their lives might have taken rather different paths. Maybe she wouldn’t have become immortal and maybe he wouldn’t have taken his own life after becoming a murder.

Nervously, she reached up and pressed a kiss to his lips. They were cold, like his hands, and she supposed it was because he was a ghost. Quickly, she pulled back with red cheeks and looked away.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly.
“Don’t be, my dear,” he said before kissing her. She smiled at him and he smiled back.

“How long have you wanted to do that?” he asked quietly. They were still so close together.
“I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. She had the feeling that he had recognised his feelings long before she had. “How long have you?”
“A while,” he said vaguely. She laughed but it faded as he stepped away.

“I’ll see you another night, Marie,” he said with a small smile.
“So soon?” she asked as she frowned.
“I’m afraid so,” he said. He hung his head as he turned and disappeared into the shadows. And while she felt sad watching the green mist disappear, Marie couldn’t help but smile.