Inspired by beloved friend Chiwan’s new ghost podcast.
Wake up.
I don’t have to say no, I’m already awake. I never want to do this with them.
Wake up.
My eyes are open and wide. I can tell it is between 3 and 3:30 AM, the neighbor is out warming up his car and I can hear what? Two sneezes, big trucks pulling into the rest stop to the East. The lady two houses down has chickens starting to stir.
Look.
I don’t have to say no. I’m already looking. I never want to do it.
Wake up.
Now they plead. They hate it when I act like I can’t see and can’t hear.
Wake up.
Look.
I close my eyes. I can sleep for a few more hours. I can dream them away for a precious bit of peace. And when I wake up to see the sun flooding my room and the shadows suddenly stilled, I will look. I will be, awake.