I don't own the rights to the Haunted Mansion characters.


"Ezra! Where are you?" Emma looked around, but didn't see her husband. Unbelievable. She had not seen him for a while. Now she was getting impatient. There was still so much to do and the Master was no help either.

Edward ran through the house into the kitchen. He catched his breath, amazed that ghosts could be out of breath. He saw Emma looking around her. "Is there a problem?"

"No Sir, not yet. But Ezra is not here."

"I am sure he will be back soon. I think this Underground business keeps him busy."

"I completely forgot about that. Maybe they have a special meeting. After all our friend is coming back."

Edward shot her a warning look.

"I know what you're thinking, but she is coming back."

"I have to see her first to believe you. "

Emma shook her head and laughed. "Well, I better make her bedroom ready."

"Bedroom?"

"She can't sleep on the floor. And before you say anything, the scarlet room is the best room we have. So if you see Ezra, tell him I'm busy."


Ezra found his wife in the scarlet room. "I have such exciting news." He hopped from one foot to the other. He also had a big smile on his face. "She is coming today."

Emma turned around and faced her husband. "What? I need more time. I haven't got any food ready..."

"Take it easy dear. Food is not the first thing she is looking for. We have to look our best for her."

Emma nodded. "I suppose you are right. The room is clean and aired."

Ezra crossed the room and kissed his wife on her cheek. "You are the best. Let's go and find the Master and tell him the news."


Elizabeth slept well. She was ready for a new day. She dressed and descended to

the kitchen. There she found the Evers family at the breakfast table.

Sarah smiled when she saw her. "Good morning. I hope you slept well."

Elizabeth nodded. "Good morning all"

Megan and Michael, the Evers children nodded with their mouth full of french toast.

"Do you want some?" asked Jim, Sarah's husband, pointing at the plaids on the table.

"Yes please, by the way, I am Elizabeth Henshaw. Your wife was so kind to offer me a place for the night."

"No problem. The swamp is a dangerous place, especially at night and if you don't know the way."

Sarah placed a coffeemug on the table. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Elizabeth took a sip of her coffee, thought a bit and shook her head. "I am sure it will be fine."

The word swamp got Michael's attention. "Are you really going there?"

"Yes."

Before Michael could say anything Jim cut in. "No way kid, you are going to school."

Oh come on Dad. I want to go on adventure."

"School comes first." said Jim with a stern look.

Michael grumbled and Elizabeth could do nothing but smile. "You can come and visit me in the Summer vacation if you want. You can all come for a sleep over. There's plenty of room."

Michael jumped up and down.

"Not so fast young man" said Sarah. "I want you to get good grades and that goes for your sister too."

Megan rolled her eyes.

Elizabeth ate her french toast and drank her coffee. Then it was time to say goodbye to the Evers family. She gave them all a hug and went on her way.

In the car she listened to the local blues channel. She loved that kind of music and was humming along, while she drove to the mansion. She made one stop, only to fill the car with petrol. Soon after that she arrived at a forrest. It wouldn't be long now.