Talk To Me

Chapter Twenty-Four

August

The afternoon air was warm as Leah stepped out of the coffee shop, stretching her sore arms. A gentle breeze tousled her brown curls as she walked down the sidewalk, dragging her feet against the cracked pavement. Hours of standing behind the counter had left her shins aching, and she cursed the morning shifts—not only were the tips smaller, but the workload was relentless.

She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. Maybe the boss would finally hire another barista soon. Until then, she'd put up with the extra work—he needed the help. As she reached the corner, a faint voice made her pause.

A whisper.

A girl's voice.

Leah glanced around. The street was quiet except for a few passing cars. Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked. But the whisper—it was close. She turned her head toward the alley wedged between the clothing store and the bookshop. Curiosity prickled at her, and she took a cautious step forward.

Between the red-bricked buildings, a girl stood with her back to the entrance. Her black hair was tied in a high ponytail, though a stray strand was caught under the strap of an oversized black backpack. She was tall and lean, her posture oddly still.

"Don't fear it," the girl murmured, pausing for a moment. "Yes. Your loved ones are there." She gave a small nod, gripping the straps of her bag.

Leah's brow furrowed, eyes widened as she stepped forward, her foot landing in a shallow puddle. Cold, murky water splashed onto her white sneakers and the hem of her black pants. She grimaced, shaking off the droplets.

The girl's head snapped toward her. For a second, neither of them moved.

Then, as if unfazed, the girl turned back toward the alley wall. "Go," she whispered, motioning toward the crumbling red bricks.

A shiver ran down Leah's spine. The girl took a slow breath, then turned from the garbage bin and strode toward the alley entrance. Now that Leah could see her up close, she noticed the worn-out sleeves of her red hoodie and the small rips along the cuffs. The girl shoved her hands deep into the pockets of her faded gray jeans as she walked past.

Something about her felt... strange. Leah hesitated only a second before following.

"Did you—Did you just escort someone to the light?" she asked, breathless from catching up.

The girl froze.

Slowly, she turned. "What?"

Leah studied her face—sharp features, piercing green eyes. She had the look of someone who had seen things most people couldn't. "You did," Leah said carefully, watching her reaction. "You have a gift."

The girl's expression shifted. Just slightly. "I don't know what you're talking about." She waved a dismissive hand, but her voice lacked conviction.

Leah narrowed her eyes. "You can see ghosts."

The girl let out a sharp laugh. "And people call me crazy." Then, just as quickly, her amusement faded. She stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Why do you smell so good?"

Leah blinked. "What?"

The girl inhaled slightly. "You smell like... blueberries."

Leah scoffed. "I work in a coffee shop. But don't change the subject." She crossed her arms. "Did you escort someone into the light?"

The girl's lips pressed into a thin line. "No."

Leah arched a brow. "Who was it?"

The girl hesitated, then muttered, "This homeless lady—" But before she could finish, her green eyes widened in alarm. "I have to go." She turned sharply on her heel.