“Slow down. I’m not that easy to get rid of,” he said, with a chuckle. “But I’m afraid I’m going to debunk your ghost.”
“I was afraid that might happen. What is it?”
“See the house on the other side of the trees?” She nodded. “A photography student lives there and he’s been working with floodlights and blue screens. You’ve been seeing the lights reflecting off the screens. The reason the ghost appeared to move at times was the wind blowing through the trees, making the branches sway, and creating an illusion of movement.”
“Such a simple explanation,” Bertie said.
“So my ghost is really just a blue spotlight,” Isabel said quietly
“You sound disappointed,” Bertie said.
A little smile curved the corners of Isabel’s mouth. “I guess I am… kind of. I was hoping to experience what Grandma – and others before her – had known. Now I’m just embarrassed.”
“No need to be. You had no way of knowing what the guy on the next street over was doing,” Harry said.
“That’s true, and now I know that he’s a photography student, I understand. But what was he doing with lights and screens outside at night?”
Harry shrugged. “Something about a special project.”
Right on cue, the young man in question came through the trees, into Isabel’s backyard. “Hi… I’m Andrew Forsey… call me Andy. I’m sorry… it never dawned on me that anyone else even saw the lights.”
“Apology accepted,” Isabel said. “I’m Isabel… my friends call me Izzy. No harm done. I’m just a little sad that my ghost wasn’t real.”
“Huh?” Andy looked at her, eyebrows raised.
She laughed. “I thought it was the ghost from an old family legend, that’s all.”
“You have a ghost in your family?” She nodded. “Cool. That’s incredible. I’d love to hear about it… maybe over a cup of coffee tomorrow?”
“Sounds good to me, and you can tell me about your special project at the same time.”
“Sure. So, do you believe in the paranormal?”
“To a point… I kind of have to, because of my family history… but I do question things.”
“I question too, but I find it all very interesting…”
Their voices became less distinguishable as Harry and Bertie walked over to the truck.
“Could be the start of a new friendship there,” Harry said as he opened the door.
“You could be right,” Bertie agreed as she closed the door on her side and smothered a yawn.
“Tired?” Harry asked with a grin.
She nodded. “I was up earlier than usual this morning. Drop me at the end of the driveway, near the front door please. I’ll make it that far before I fall asleep.”
Harry laughed as he pulled the truck out into the street and drove towards her home.
He backed into her driveway so the passenger door was on the side towards her front door. “This is as close as I can get. Think you’ll make it before you fall asleep?” he asked, and chuckled.
“Laugh it up,” she mumbled. “I’ll get you back.” She could hear him laughing as she made her way up the steps.
[Word count 3,038]
