"Did something happen?" I asked out of the blue to the short nun.The nun stiffened for a moment. She tried to cover up her stiff expression with an awkward smile. "W-what?""Sister Nancy told me last time that I am welcome to come at any time and she is willing to meet me again. So it took me by surprise that she could not meet me today. Besides, Sister Nancy seemed to give utmost importance in taking care of children than other matters. And you two have not-so-good expressions. Did something happen?"The nun paled. "Ah...It must be because we have been so busy nowadays. We usually received guests warmly but today is not a good time.""Oh...." The nun seemed adamant about covering up the matter. This made me more curious. Does their suspicious behavior have something to do with what they were talking about earlier?They seemed to be talking about 'time'."Big sister! Can I play with them?" Will pulled my hand as he pointed toward the children who were playing in the field.I looked
I followed the tall nun on the way back to Sister Nancy's office. There was only silence between us.The tall nun was frowning. I bet she was puzzled why Sister Nancy called for me.Well, I am too was quite surprised that Sister Nancy wished to see me. If my conjecture was right about this 'graduation', then I could understand why the nuns wanted to hide this from me, an outsider that does not belong in the monastery.Sister Nancy would have to attend to this urgent matter before anything else. But now that she was inviting me in, I wonder if my guess was not on point and I was just overthinking all of this.My thoughts halted when I saw Sister Nancy outside her office, waiting for me. She also saw me and smiled at me.I smiled back."Sister Nancy." I greeted her as soon as I arrived.Sister Nancy held my hand. "I did not expect to see you soon. I said before that I would welcome you the next time you come here. But something urgent happened and the other nuns have to send you away."
I was shocked. For ghosts, life means having time and staying as they are in this world of the dead, or the hope to enter the door-to-the afterlife for a new life. Death was becoming a starving demon or getting captured by grim reapers. But this coin could be used in any of those moments? How? "...I don't understand," I said, confused. Sister Nancy just smiled at me. "This coin...is a pardon token given to me by a grim reaper." ! Sister Nancy...met a grim reaper and survived?! "How did you...how is it..." I have so many questions that I don't know which one to start with. Sister Nancy put the coin back in my hand. "That grim reaper told me that my soul is still somewhat pure. That I still have quite a lot of time. And that he would come to me when I ran out of time. In the meantime, he said I could used this coin when I met other grim reapers who wanted to capture me. If the grim reapers saw it, they would let me go. Sister Nancy smiled as she reminisced. "He said each grim re
I badly wanted to tell Sister Nancy that Lucas was still alive.Although his soul seemed to be stuck between the world of the dead and the living which might have been caused by demonization, I still want to believe that he would fully wake up.I would do everything I could to help Lucas. This was a sincere promise that I would fulfill.Sister Nancy looked into my eyes. Her eyes were teary. She smiled softly at me. "Lucas really judged people well. That's more reason for me to give this to you."When I first met Lucas, I smelled a fresh scent of grass. That was the first time in a long time that I was able to smell something after death. Although I don't have the ability like the grim reapers that can judge the soul's time, I am a bit sensitive. The grim reaper who give this coin to me told me that I have such a fascinating soul. I can feel things that other ghosts can't. When I saw Lucas, that's when I came to learn what the grim reaper was talking about. I saw Lucas' soul was purer
A/n: This chapter is fixed. **** A while later, Sister Nancy arrived with the bodyguard and another ghost that I have never seen before. Sister Nancy introduced him as someone loyal to the monastery. But she made it clear to me that this person also doesn't know what he was transporting. While they were carrying the casket to the truck, I went away for a moment to bid farewell to Will. "How is this place?" Will was all smiles as he answered. "It's fun! I have made new friends! Felix and Ben! They shared candies with me so I share them with my mochis! We played hide and seek, Capture the flag, Kick the can-" Will seemed to enjoy his stay. He talked nonstop with a huge smile on his face. I have never seen him so excited like this except for the moment he was waiting for his mother. "Then would you like to stay here?" Will stopped. He blinked his eyes as he thought hard about it. "...This place is really nice but my mom..." "You don't have to worry about your meeting with your
I opened my mouth to object but no words came out. It's not like I could betray Sister Nancy and tell the whole ghost society of what I am about to witness. Besides, if I was right, perhaps we could not leave this place with an intact soul. But since Sister Nancy seemed familiar with it, we could still survive, right? However, although I am worried about my well-being, I am more worried about Alex's fate. "Sister Nancy...are you sure this is the right decision?" Sister Nancy turned silent. She then spoke with sorrow in her voice. "If I could give you another answer with another choice in mind, I would." Sister Nancy looked pained as she continued. "I told you earlier that our suffering doesn't end with 'graduation'. Our true suffering lies beyond that forest. The cruel truth that we have to face. We could only protect the innocence of the children for a short time. But we cannot help them truly. When we could not even help ourselves." I lowered my eyes. Sister Nancy's words ma
The intriguing eyes seemed to penetrate me.The pressure on me was greatly doubled with the attention that Sir Benjamin was giving me. I could not feel my hands. I don't know how I came out. I stood before him with my figure shaking.I did not dare meet those sharp eyes. I lowered my head as I wish that this Sir would not figure out what I am.The short moment of silence felt like an eternity. After a while, the pressure broke with a burst of laughter from Sir Benjamin."Hahaha! Sister Nancy, the kiddo that you brought is trembling adorably. Did she commit wrong for her to shiver like that?""Please don't tease her anymore, Sir. The stories about Grim Reapers are akin to monsters in their bedtime stories." Sister Nancy's tone was respectful.I really admired Sister Nancy at this moment. How could she keep up a conversation with this overwhelming grim reaper?"Well, young lady. Don't be scared too much. Unlike Sister Nancy here who only has a few months left, your soul is green and pu
A/n: This chapter is fixed. **** There was a short silence in the field. I stood there with a dumbfounded expression. Alex...had become a demon. The sweet voice of a child I was conversing with earlier had turned into a demon and now was gone. I could not do anything to help Alex but watch. This helpless feeling...made me at loss. "This is the best we could do for that child. At least she did not have to spend the rest of her life as a soul-eating heinous demon." Sir Benjamin looked at us. "So the two of you should chin up and move on." Sir Benjamin was experienced and had seen this countless times. Sister Nancy had a handful of experiences too, thus, although she felt sad, she was familiar with this situation. As for me, it was my first time so I have a hard time adjusting my emotions. Sister Nancy bowed gratefully to Sir Benjamin, "As always, I am thankful for your help, Sir." "It's not a bother." I felt Sir Benjamin's eyes on me. "It must have been a shock for this kiddo.
That weekend, I crashed at Jia's home and dragged her to my apartment. Colt was sad but since it was rare for me and Jia to have a girl's party night, Colt finally let go of his soon-to-be wife. Seeing them lovely-dovey and could not even be separated for one night, made me feel bitter. Tsk. With beers and snacks, I told Jia about Laurance's offer. "I told you! He liked you!" "I don't want to think that you are right. But...if Laurence really looks at me that way...it would be hard for me to reject him." "I saw that Laurence twice. I could say he is handsome, tall, and rich. What's not to like about him?" "If Colt heard you he would be heartbroken and jealous." "Colt is not here anyway. Why are you having difficulty rejecting him?" "Because he is my boss. If he confesses to me and I reject him, how would I face him afterward? Would he want to see me after that? I think my job is in danger." "Girl, why don't you just accept Laurence? Since the man like you, give him a chance."
It's been nine years since that incident. It was said that a momentary earthquake around the area caused the club to have cracks in the wall and its ceiling to give out. Nevertheless, the people were injured that night and the club has been investigated. That was when the dead body count increased. There were actually people who died in the club because of an unknown incident. But because they were no proof that they were murdered or any motives behind their deaths, it was only branded as an accident. But there was one thing in common, they died while they were in the club. They were only declared dead when they arrived at the hospital. The club was suspended for not reporting this strange anomaly but they were back in business after a month. After all, it was not the fault of the club owner. Some people said it might be related to the accident eight years ago. But after that, there was no incident that happened again in that building. When I mentioned it to Jia, she just shrugge
Seeing him, I felt my heart tightly squeezed. My body shook. As if I was struck by lightning, I remained dazed and rooted in the ground.It was a strange face that I haven't seen before. But...why...why the sight of him affected me so much?I felt like crying, yelling, rampaging, and crying all over again. As if a pandora's box was opened and all my crazy emotions that I have kept were released. It was an emotion that I could not define.However, what I knew was that the feeling of loss I have suddenly found its meaning- longing.I have never felt such longing before. As if the empty hole in my heart found its piece. It was as if I finally found a light in the darkness where I have been wandering for so long.My nose went sour and my sight blurred. I held back my tears.I don't understand why these overwhelming emotions suddenly came out. But I know it was all related to this man.The man crouched down and checked my ankle.Our surrounding was chaotic. There were people screaming, ob
Jia then told everyone in the group. "I think you guys already have fun. How about we call it a day? Let's all go home."I looked strangely at Jia. Was she hinting at everyone to leave?Is something about to happen?"The night is just starting. When things heated up we will go to the dance floor. Don't leave yet." The group was hot-blooded and wanted to dance all night until dawn.Jia tried to convince them but they were determined to get wild this night.Jia turned silent, she was a bit frustrated.I pulled at her sleeves, "Why are you hinting them to leave?""Well, based on the story of this place I am now sure that there is a demon here. A vengeful one. It has been hiding for eight years after it killed the students. Now, it must have been hungry and looking for victims. What is strange though is that there is no news of accidents that happened here even though this place is running for a year."I don't doubt Jia. So I made a guess. "Could it be the owner is covering it up?""Perha
I asked the group which university they were from, what course they were in and etcetera.My social skills were okay. I could answer and ask questions effortlessly. However, it was just that I don't make deep connections with other people aside from Jia. So oftentimes, after making friends, I won't contact them afterward."It is the first time we saw you two here. Don't you go clubbing in this area?" One of them asked."Honestly, it is the first time we went to the club. We are still adapting to college life." I replied. Some of the people here were seniors. They were kind and gave me advice on what to look out for in the club. Such as not accepting drinks from strangers.We got lucky that we met such a nice group. Even Jia seemed to open up too.They were talkative and kept us interested. At least with them, we don't have to be bored and dance on the dance floor.One of them even opened a spooky topic."Hey. Do you guys know that before this became a club it is a dormitory eight yea
Jia sighed, "That's right. I can see some things that other people don't."I expected it. But I am still surprised."...Can you see ghosts and spirits?""You can say that."I clenched my fist. "...Then can you see if I am haunted?"Jia was surprised. "...Haunted?""I have always felt it. It is always in my dreams, at the bottom of my heart, in the depth of my consciousness. I am haunted. But the problem is I don't know what is haunting me."Jia turned silent."...Is it a person?" I asked.Jia did not answer."Is it my mom?"Jia looked away. "There's no one behind you. You are not haunted by some ghosts.""Then what I am haunted with? What is it? What is making me restless?"Jia shut her mouth tightly. But I could see her struggling.Her hesitation and strange reaction made me think of something ridiculous.Could it be that...Jia was hiding something from me? Could she know about it?However, Jia just looked me in the eyes with pained and complicated emotions."I can't tell you, Kelly.
Another year had passed since then. Although I can't explain this feeling of loss and this emptiness in my heart, as if a deep hole appeared and was never filled, I continued my daily life. I figured that when I wasn't busy with something I end up dazing and thinking about what I lost. It was confusing and all the thinking made my chest hurt. To distract myself, I studied hard at college and work part-time in my free time. My busy schedule kept me going. My thoughts and my unexplainable emotions were put aside. Jia was worried for me ever since I broke down at my graduation. She tried to cheer me up by visiting some other places and letting me meet some new friends. However, even Jia was not good at making friends. She sometimes end up screwing it up or my awkward silence and blank stares made the people we met looked strangely at us. In the end, only our friendship remained. "I am not really interested in meeting other people. I am already busy at school and at my part-time
One year later.... I watched our Principal make an emotional speech for the graduates. The teachers were all proud and smiling. While the students were bored and wanted to finish the speech soon. When the Principal finally congratulated us and ended the speech, the graduates cheered up. The whole venue was filled with loud cheers. I just stood there in a daze, feeling everything was unreal. Today is my graduation from senior high. After I woke up from the coma, I have undergone treatment for two months before I got discharged. When I tried to go back to school, I learned that the entire school got banned and the Miguel family who tortured me so much had been punished severely. Alejandro and Claire were in jail while the recent news about Ella was that she had killed her husband and she was facing a trial. The old man's relatives won't let her go and will make her life worst. She won't be able to bother me anymore. Many things changed after I woke up. The things I wanted to b
A/n: This chapter is fixed. *** Sir Benjamin also looked sad. "Lucas has included this in our deal. I have to make sure you return even if I have to force you. Please accept our last goodwill for you." My tears fall. I understand Sir Benjamin and Lucas' concerns and sacrifice. They were only thinking about me. But my heart and soul were really unwilling. And how could I turn back on Sir Benjamin and Lucas' great effort? Sir Benjamin wanted to use his last remaining energy for me while Lucas was willing to endure a long journey mainly because of me. I looked down at Lucas. He was still unconscious and the black veins in his face reduced a lot. He was not frowning in pain anymore, he looked peaceful as if he was asleep. Would it be the last time that I would see him? Wouldn't I be able to even say goodbye? "You bad man...We can't even say goodbye to each other..." I hugged him tightly as my tears fell on him. Sir Benjamin stood up and turned his back on us. He looked at the