Chapter Twenty-Six

“Evelyn! Evelyn!” Lucas came out of the house running.

“Huh?”

“You’ll never believe this!”

Evelyn laughed. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d seen Lucas so excited. It was a welcome change from how uncomfortable and distant he’d been lately.

“Okay, try me.”

Lucas headed toward the nearby table. “You’re gonna wanna sit down for this one.” He sat beside her, practically bouncing with excitement.

She raised an eyebrow at him curiously as she hovered across from him.

“Okay…” He began. “This is gonna sound crazy, but… I talked to an, uh… old friend of yours today.”

“What are you talking about?”

Lucas continued. “Though I guess ‘friend’ isn’t quite the right word… Tall scary guy in a hooded cape surrounded by smoke? Remember him? It was just like you told me…”

Evelyn’s eyes went wide. “Seriously? But… how?”

Lucas shrugged. “He found me.”

“Well, what did he want from you?” She asked nervously.

“He… He wanted to help us.”

The ghost shook her head. “Help us? Help us how?”

“He told me what I need to bring you back.” Lucas said. “I guess that old lady wasn’t completely crazy after all. Listen to this…”

He did his best to recall everything he had been told about the death flower and angelfish. Evelyn listened intently, hanging on his every word. Could it really be that easy? She wondered. It seems like nothing ever is…

“So… what do you think?” Lucas asked her excitedly as he finished his explanation.

Evelyn smiled slightly. “I think you’re right… It does sound crazy.”

“But, I mean… it’s worth a shot, right?”

Evelyn rose from her seat and floated away, thinking. “I guess…” She looked unsure. “But how do we know this will work? Can we even trust him?”

Lucas shrugged. “I dunno.” He confessed. “But I feel like I’ve gotta go for it… It’s the only way.” He paused. “Aren’t you tired of doing the same thing every night? Don’t you wish we could go out on real dates, hang out with my friends, y’know… Be normal?”

“Of course, but…” Evelyn sighed. “I’m having major déjà vu here… Remember how excited you were about those plants a few years ago? And that didn’t get us anywhere…”

“But now it will!” Lucas insisted, rising to his feet. “Just trust me, okay?”

The ghost hesitated, looking into his eyes for a few moments. He seemed so hopeful, so sure. Despite all her reservations, there was something in his eyes that made her feel hopeful too. She felt a warmth glowing inside her. “Okay.” She said finally, smiling.

Lucas pulled her into a hug. “We’ll make it, Ev. You’ll see.” He promised her.

Death watched thoughtfully from the shadows as the couple embraced. Had he made a mistake? He wondered, a sliver of doubt in his mind. Would it be enough?

Death recalled his conversation with the boy, and everything he’d seen happen between the two lovebirds over the years. They were getting close enough on their own. He realized, smirking slightly beneath his dark hood. One little push is all they need…

Satisfied and still unseen, he vanished silently into the night.