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She lets out a big sigh. She knows it’s fucking time. We haven’t pushed her, but it’s time to nudge now.

“You're right about getting out of here. It’s time and I’m ready. Not about Darla, though. She doesn’t ramble.”

“Good. Now get dressed. I’ll meet you out there.” I tell her and kiss her cheek before disappearing.

* * *

Twenty-eight minutes.

My guys, talk to me. What takes these ladies so fucking long to put on clothes? I can only wear the same shit every day, it’s a ghost thing. It only takes me a minute or two to put mine back on after I fuck my girl into coma.

What the fuck are their clothes made of that it takes them twenty-eight fucking minutes to put them on and walk back here?

This needs to go on that show about unsolved mysteries, because I’m not sure we will ever be able to solve this puzzle.

My head turns towards the entrance when I hear branches snap.

Standing up, I see she’s in a pair of chucks, sweatpants and a long sleeve henley. My long sleeve henley. I know that shit isn’t unsolvable. You put it over your head and slide your arms in.

“Cold feet?” I throw out there. She shakes her head, “No. I was getting dressed. Not all of us can pop in and out.”

“Right, but eternal health and youth are normal.” I joke back at her. She shakes her head at me, smiling.

“Darla. Stop annoying those poor new spirits and get over here.” I shout out into the night sky. “Merrick, you are such a little shit.” And there she is, the side of Darla only I can bring out.

“Merrick, be nice,” Fallon scolds. These two team up all the time now. They have some sort of fucking sisterhood or some shit. Even Mark gets it from them. No one is safe with these two.

I throw my hands up in surrender, it’s the safest course of action. Unless you know you can win, and I know I won’t win this one.

“So, my child, how does it feel?” she asks Fallon.

She looks around, taking it all in like it’s the first time. “Yeah, it feels good. Like it’s where I’m meant to be. My soul is screaming, this is its home.”

“Good. Now, let’s go introduce you to your two new spirits. They are nervous, but excited. You will need to go over the rules, the town, and most importantly, make them feel comfortable. A happy spirit is a happy town. The town needs to stay happy. It’s October, we are open to the public and we don’t need drama getting out.” Darla turns to face me. “And Merrick, don’t get them worked up. So help me, boy.”

“Darla, I'm insulted.” I act hurt, holding my heart.

“Let’s go then, our little saint.” She says back to me as she walks deeper into the cemetery.

I reach my hand out to Fallon, who grabs onto it.

“You will never be in this alone.” I promise her.

“Good. I need your smart ass with me through all of this.” She smiles up at me.

Merrick

EPILOGUE

Yup. It happened. Karma came, and it said open up, Merrick, because I have a treat for you.

And I bent over and let it fuck me.

At first, I didn't think I would like it. But it turns out I really do.

I’m a dad.

I’m a dad to a three-year-old girl who could ramble at me for hours and I’ll listen.