Cookson was not present.
There were footsteps near the doorway.
''Cookson?'' Captain Hook asked. His eyes began to narrow another time. Captain Hook's scowl remained. ''Smee?'' he muttered. Captain Hook faced the bed again. Footsteps continued.
That was when Captain Hook heard a familiar voice.
''James?''
Captain Hook's eyes increased in size. He recognized the voice. His body and head shook at the same time. ''Cecilia?''
Captain Hook turned his head at a snail's pace.
The ghost of Cecilia materialized near him.
Captain Hook trembled uncontrollably.
Cecilia's dress was tattered. Her gloves and hat were long gone. Her eyes bulged. Her face was skeletal. Cecilia's hair reached the middle of the back. Maggots covered most of her body.
Four tears ran down Captain Hook's face. He shook his head another time. ''You are not the woman I fell in love with,'' he muttered. Captain Hook looked down as he sobbed. He was queasy again. He refused to glance at the decaying spirit.
''Why are you here, Cecilia?'' Captain Hook asked.
''I heard your wish to be with me, James. I appeared for you.'' Cecilia touched Captain Hook's wet face. ''I'll comfort you.''
Captain Hook saw maggots on Cecilia's rotting hand. He ceased sobbing. His eyes became bigger another time. Queasy again, Captain Hook stepped back.
''You aren't enraged due to my past lies, Cecilia?'' Captain Hook's eyes filled with tears again. He began to look to one side. ''If part of you still loathes me, Cecilia…'' Captain Hook took a deep breath. He looked ahead. He closed his eyes.
''You can do whatever you want to me, Cecilia.''
