Ghostly Thoughts
At first, it's as if I'm floating and drowning at the same time. The sensation is at the same time both frightening and exhilarating. I open my eyes, and see nothing but black. Where am I? Who am I? What…what happened? I remember flashes: going out on the Lady Luck, then the storm, the ship pitching and yawing in the monstrous waves as I fought for control. And over the howl of the wind and the titanic crash of thunder, the bloodcurdling sound of mad, triumphant laughter. Then…a wall of ice cold sea water slams into me, and the world vanishes.
When I open my eyes I'm standing outside my home. I blink away the seawater, then notice my son standing in the doorway, his eyes fixed on the horizon. I want so badly to go over and pull him into a hug, but a small voice whispers that such a thing would be impossible. I walk alone now. I let out a cry of rage. Angelique! That witch did this to me! My cry builds until it becomes a shriek, and then a miracle happens.
David turns his head and looks at me. Not through me, but *at* me. His mouth drops open, and he whispers a single word. "Mommy?"
I feel my ghostly eyes fill with nonexistent tears. "Yes, David. It's Mommy. I've come back home, and I'm never leaving you."
He breaks into a relieved smile, and I take my hand and lead him inside.