Eight

I wake up. It is still dark out. Edith is tapping on my shoulder.

“What do you need Edith?” I ask sleepily. Why is she here so early? She doesn’t ever do this. Probably just a bad dream or something.
“I saw a ghost, Ethel. It was white. And looked sad. I tried to talked to it, but then it went away.”
“You probably just dreamt it, you crazy girl”
“No Ethel, this is for real!”
“Okay, calm down. If it went away then it’s not here to bother you right?”
“I guess so. But why is it here in the first place?”
“Who knows? Who cares?”
Edith looks at me with sad eyes. Maybe the same sad eyes this ghost had. Do I believe Edith? Do I even believe in ghosts?
“Ok Edith,” I tell her calmly “Next time you see the ghost ask her why they are here. Maybe you could help them out.”
“Will you help me?”
“If you wake me up in time, I suppose I can. But go back to bed for now. Yeah?”
“Ok, see you in the morning Ethel”
But I can’t seem to fall asleep again. I didn’t think I was scared of ghosts, but now maybe I am. Maybe just curious. Maybe I just can’t fall asleep. Who knows? Who cares?
Suddenly Edith starts wailing. I run over, shake her. Nothing. Why won’t she stop? She feels really hot. A fever? Why won’t start screaming. Is she asleep right now? I run to dad. We take her to the clinic in town. Most of what happened after that is a blur. Dad is asleep next to me. I still can’t sleep. I hope Edith will be ok. This room feels so sterile. And cold. God it's so cold.

Someone is sitting in a chair across the room. A girl. Looks about 10 or so. She is all alone. And very pale. And sad. Maybe this is the ghost Edith saw. Shit. What do I do? No one else is in here except for my dad and some lady who works at the clinic who doesn't seem to notice. And then just like that the girl is gone.

"Did you see her too?" the woman in scrubs asks.

"Yeah, is she here a lot?"

"I've seen her a couple times before. Not always here though. As long as she doesn't bother people she's fine I guess."

"She's a ghost right?"

"As far as I know. I'm Clara Kate by the way"

"I'm Ethel Roberts. Do you know if my sister Edith will be ok?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know. I just got done seeing another patient. I could maybe check on her for you, if you like."

"That would be so helpful."

"Sure. Just wait here. I'll be back soon and let you know." Clara Kate leaves quickly. She has kind of a weird gait. As soon as she leaves the room is still. Creepy still. I guess all that's left for me to do is wait.