Mrs. Robinson
Miranda focused everything within her. She had to get help for him. Wait, there so close, she must make herself heard!
Captain Gregg scanned the space around him. How dare another spirit board without his permission! Who are you, materialize NOW he demanded. The translucent figure of a young women tried valiantly to solidify on the widows walk.
This is the best I can do she said I'm new at this. Please he needs your help I can't pull him out. I can feel you are an older and a more powerful spirit. Please help him now.
Who needs help asked a calmer if confused Captain Gregg?
Look through the telescope he's in the water she pleaded.
The Captain searched the water line with his glass. He could see a man walking into the sea. Instantly he appeared behind the stranger and pulled him back to land.
Mitchell was coughing but breathing, lying on the sand. Damn I can't even do this right he said trying to hold back his tears. Miranda was beside him, unseen by Mitchell.
I love you and always will but don't join me this way said Miranda with tears in her voice if not on her face. She looked up at Captain Gregg and said thank you.
I will get someone from Gull Cottage said the Captain giving the young man a sad look. He appeared at Mrs. Muir bedside and gently woke her.
You left him on the beach alone said Carolyn Muir. How do you know he wont try it again, she asked with concern? Reaching for the phone she thought who do I call? She changed course and went to the closet pulled out a coat and a pair of boots dressing as she descended the stairs.
Madam I would have brought him here myself, but it would not have helped his state of mind to be dragged to a strange house by an unknown force. Besides he is not alone even if he does not know that. At this moment he needs the touch of the living. I will see you there said Captain Gregg before disappearing.
Dawn was getting a foothold as walked toward the man on the beach. He was lying on his side, turned away from her with the Captain beside him. Hello she called out, are you okay? The man sat up when he heard her voice. watched as he steadied himself and turned toward her, the internal turmoil visible on his face. We don't get many people out this early she said smiling at him.
My name is Carolyn Muir I live at the house over there. Would you like to come in for some coffee?
You must be cold sometimes the waves get you, it's warmer in my kitchen.
Mitchell looked at the women coming toward him. Uncertain as to why he trusted her, he answered that would be nice thank you.
Let me help you up Carolyn offered. As he got to his feet she said a silent thank you to Captain Gregg for his suggestion to the young man. As her guest made his way to Gull Cottage she watched him regain some control.
Feeling the immediate danger was over Captain Gregg turned toward the young spirit near him. Perhaps you can tell me what is going on now.
Miranda took an unneeded breath and said I'll tell you everything. My name is Miranda Robinson the man you saved is...was my husband Mitchell. We were only married for 6 weeks when there was a car accident he survived I didn't. Miranda watched with frustration at the ease the spirit before her sat on the rocks. Mitchell is alone he has no family, he moved here from the west coast. My family didn't want anything to do with him, after the accident they couldn't stand the sight of him. I've stayed with him he has no one else. Last night he was so depressed he wanted to be with me. Not like that, he can't, it's not his time, but I couldn't stop him I'm not strong enough. He can't see or hear me but I think that might be for the best right now. I don't want him thinking he's crazy.
Allow me to introduce myself I am Captain Daniel Gregg. That he said pointing at Gull Cottage is my home. How long have you been a spirit he asked?
It's been about 2 months Miranda replied. Strange I've been haunting him longer then we were married. That women she could see you. She knows your still at the house. Why doesn't she leave?
and I have an arrangement she and her family can stay. Mrs. Robinson you can not expect to interact on the same level after just 2 months. Your abilities will grow in time. I have had a 100 years to hone my skills.
Please call me Miranda, all I can think of is that song when someone says Mrs. Robinson. Oh, I was so right about you being an older and powerful spirit. Has there always been a family in residence in the last 100 years?
No Miranda it has only been for the past 2 years before then I was alone answered the Captain.
Then you can understand my Mitchell's desperation. He has no family, mine are grieving and blame him. I want to comfort him but after this I don't know how to help him said Miranda sadly.
I can sympathize but not understand his actions. You are correct now is not his time. He struggled to suppress a wave of anger at Mitchell willingly surrendering his life. Neither Mitchell or Miranda needed to deal with his personal beliefs.
What will happen now Miranda asked? Will Mrs. Muir call the police?
You must see he needs to cared for and watched until his thinking changes. You came to me for help because you could not protect him from himself. Let those who can protect him do so.
Of course your right he needs to safe until his heart heals. I will be with him as long as he needs me to be she said.
Come let us go inside and see if we can help Mrs. Muir. Captain Gregg stood and both spirits appeared in the kitchen of Gull Cottage.
Mitchell was sitting at the table with Mrs. Muir the towel around his neck was wet. Martha had entertained their guest while Carolyn was upstairs getting dressed and retrieving her keys. Now that she was back Martha poured her a cup of coffee. He hadn't said much to either of the women just his name and that there was no one to call.
Martha will be alright you go ahead and get dressed. I'll be going into town this morning. So Mitchell what brought you to the beach so early today asked Mrs. Muir cautiously?
I made a decision last night but I'm reconsidering now. I don't think she would want me to do that he said.
He heard me I got through to him said Miranda smiling sadly.
It sounds like you need someone to talk to said Mrs. Muir. I know a good listener he would see you right away. Let me take you into town.
I have a rental car down the road Mitchell stated.
Don't worry about it I'll call them and tell them to pick it up. Give me the key they wont mind said Mrs. Muir.
Mitchell looked at her with momentary confusion. He searched his pockets and came up empty. I've lost them.
It's alright they will have a spare key. Finish your coffee and we'll go.
Captain Gregg watched as Carolyn, Mitchell and Miranda started for town. For such a young spirit Miranda was doing well, time and practice was all she needed. Mitchell regretted his attempt, that helped to melt the lump of anger in the Captain's throat.
Carolyn seemed drained when she came back from town. Captain Gregg waited for her to put her coat away and sit at her desk before making himself visible.
Would you prefer to be alone now, you look tired said the Captain.
No Daniel I need your company. I took Mitchell to he saw him quickly. I told the nurse everything. I know he is not a psychiatrist but the doctor will make sure Mitchell sees one.
I'm glad to hear it such actions do not make the afterlife any easier stated the Captain.
Daniel did you just happen to be looking at the right moment ? What did you mean he wasn't alone even if he didn't know it?
Mitchell Robinson may have been a widower for 2 months but he has not been alone said the Captain. His wife has never left his side. I do not know much about Miranda Robinson except he was fortunate to have the time he did with her.
You saw her asked Carolyn?
She came to me and asked for my help. Miranda realized that an older spirit could do more then she. I had the strength to pull Mitchell from the water she did not. Hardly surprising Miranda has only been a spirit for 2 months. She was there on the beach and in the kitchen. She also rode into town with you. I have no doubt Miranda is still with Mitchell now said Captain Gregg.
I couldn't see or hear her said . What he did must have been very difficult for you. You were considered a suicide for over a 100 years and took great pains to correct that belief. Her concern for Daniel evident in the look she gave him.
Daniel Gregg's face made no attempt to conceal what lay in his heart when he answered her. It did and still does make me angry that he would throw away a chance at life. I would give anything to be mortal and with you my dear. Then I realized Mitchell could not see that his wife loved him and would be forever at his side, literally. All he could see was the emptiness within himself.
.
With a puzzled expression Daniel said, Miranda disliked being called Mrs. Robinson because of a song. Do you know which one she meant?
Carolyn Muir laughed for the first time today. I could see that, she said. I'll find and play it for you, you'll understand then.