Ghosts of Halloweens Past (Short Story)

  * * *

  As Vincent’s car disappears around the bend, I sit on the curb. Shortly, a claustrophobic feeling assails me and I extricate myself from Lauren. She looks around, clearly disoriented.

  “You have a date with Vincent,” I announce after I recover. “Consider me your fairy godmother.”

  For effect, I choose to glide away instead of just walk.

  “Wait.”

  When I heed her command, Lauren looks conflicted. She wants me to go, but she doesn’t want me to go.

  “Don’t worry. You won’t see me again.” A derisive laugh rips through my throat quite unannounced.

  Lauren rubs her arms as if trying to dispel chill bumps.