A Collection of Short stories The Stalker It was late when sally got home from her meeting with her company board. She had been working all day and she was tired. She put on the kettle and lit up a cigarette and sat down at the kitchen table. When the kettle had boiled she made herself a cup of Coffee and all she wanted to do was get some sleep she never knew how hard it would be being a CEO. She had the job of running different companies around the world and she also had to travel a lot which was a bit of a nuisance. Before she went to bed she decided to look at her emails. So she turned on the computer and clicked on Gmail. As she was looking she saw the emails she usually get from different companies but then she opened an email and she didn’t recognize the name on the email. She opened it and it said “I know where you work “so she got frightened and went down stairs and poured herself a brandy. She didn’t know what to make of the email and all she could think of was the safety of her husband and children. She was so terrified that her body went numb with shock but what should she do? She kept asking herself what if he/ she knew where she lived and what if she was watching her every move or they watching the house. She got into bed and fell asleep. The next morning she woke early. She went downstairs and went to the kitchen and put the kettle on. She then went into the sitting room and pulled the curtain back a small bit and looked out the window but there was no one outside. Did she dream it or is her mind playing tricks. She then went into the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee and lit up a cigarette. When suddenly the phone rang. It was her husband Joe are you alright? He asked her Yes! Why she asked. You seemed a little spooked when you rang last night. I don’t remember ringing you she said in a very intense voice. Or did I? I’m fine she told him that all it was a nightmare. Are you sure? He asked her again. Yes I’m positive. Do you want to talk to children? Joe asked her. No I’ll talk to them later she replied She then went upstairs to get dressed and she looked out the window again and she saw a man standing across the street from her. She suddenly closed the curtains again. She then looked out again and the man had gone. Was she imagining this she asked herself? She felt calm again she sat down and lit a cigarette. She wasn’t working today so decided to go Christmas shopping. She had to get new Christmas clothes for here boys. As she was pushing the trolley around the shop she was also busy looking at the sales that was on. She saw something she wanted and as she reached to get it some rude women shoved her out of the way. Excuse me Sally told the women I was here first and if you don’t mind I want it. The women said nothing at first then she started laughing and said tough you’re not getting it then she walked away. What a rude women she said to herself. She did her shopping then headed to the till to pay for her stuff. But as she was going to stand on line the same women again pushed her out of the queue. Excuse me I was here first sally told her but the women just laughed at her and jumped the queue. She knew she had to hold her tongue and say nothing. She didn’t want to make a show of herself in public no matter how arrogant some people may be. Sally went to the car and put the bags in the boot of the car. Just as she was backing out another car came from behind her and Sally almost hit the car. Twenty minutes later she arrived home and just as she walked in the door the phone rang. She put the groceries down and answered the phone. When she answer she said hello but no answered back so she said it again but still there was no one on the line so she hung up. She then put the groceries away and put the kettle on. Even though after the day she had she could do with something a bit stronger. She made herself a cup of coffee and lit up a cigarette but then suddenly the doorbell rang it was the postman. She was wondering to herself who would be sending her a letter. She signed for it then closed the door and went into the kitchen. She didn’t recognised the writing so she opened it. Inside was a letter that said I am watching you. She got worried but couldn’t figure out why someone would threaten her. She never didn’t do no harm to anyone or did she? She went upstairs and looked out the window but there was nobody there so she pulled the blinds and locked all the doors. She didn’t want to say anything to her husband because he would only worry. She went downstairs and went into the lounge and poured herself a drink. But then she started laughing and thought to herself that someone must be playing a joke on her. After she had her coffee and cigarette she went upstairs to lie down she didn’t sleep to well last night; just as she was about to dose off she heard a car door. She got out of bed and looked out the side of the curtain and saw a car parked outside her house. She looked again and suddenly the car was gone that’s a bit strange she said to herself. She then laid down and fell asleep. A few hours had passed when suddenly the phone rang. She answered the phone and the voice said I’m watching you at this very minute. She went downstairs and went into the sitting room and didn’t know what to do should she call the police or would it make matters worse? She thought to herself. She then went into the kitchen and got the biggest knife she could find. She then searched downstairs but there was no one there. She then went upstairs and still there was no one there. When suddenly the phone rang again and she terrified to answer it but she did and it was her friend Alice. Sally was speechless and couldn’t say speak but Alice asked her if she was alright but still there was no answer. Then the doorbell rang again and it was the express. They were delivering a parcel and she had to sign for it again. She took it into the kitchen and her reaction was Jesus Christ. She dropped the parcel but Alice was on the phone still on the other line. Alice asked Sally again if she was alright and when she got no answer she said I’m john and we’re coming over Ten minutes later they arrive at the house and they rang the doorbell but she wasn’t answering so they decided to go to the back door but that was locked as well so they had to break the door down to be able to get in. When they got in they called sally but she was too terrified to answer so Alice went upstairs and in headroom was a frightened sally. Alice went over and saw that Sally was shaking. Alice told her that it was alright that herself and John were here. So she took downstairs and brought her into the lounge. And as she was doing that John looked in the bad and also was surprised. Alice went into the kitchen and straight away she said what’s that smell but john told her that she didn’t need to know john disposed of the parcel and opened the windows. They both went in the lounge and Sally asked if it was alright for her to smoke John then said whoever sent that parcel was sick in the head. Sally stood up and started heading for the kitchen but Alice told her to go back and sit down. Do you want a cup of coffee? Alice asked Sally. It’s alright I’ll make it myself so sally got up and headed towards the kitchen when suddenly Alice and John heard a bang. They didn’t know what it was so they rushed to the kitchen and saw sally lying on the ground. Alice told John to ring for an ambulance but sally told them that she was fine. They lifted her up and put her on a chair. Sally couldn’t remember what had happened .it was all in a daze to her. John gave her a glass of water and asked Sally if she was alright. Sally told him that she was fine. They then took her into the sitting room and told her to lie down for a while. Sally then told them that they can leave that she’ll be fine. Are you sure Alice asked. Yes I’m positive Sally told them So they left and just as sally was about to sleep the doorbell rings again I bet they forgot something so sally answered the door and it was Mark from work. Hi mark please do come in so he went in and they went into the sitting room. So what do I owe this pleasure of you visiting me? Oh nothing Mark replied I was in the neighbourhood and I’ll just decided to see how you are. The reason why I actually here Mark told her is because I have some papers that need signing.so he gave her the documents to sign, Mark then asked sally if she was going to the Christmas party but sally explained that she wants to spend Christmas with her family. It must be nice to have loved ones to spend Christmas with Mark replied. So he told her I better head off merry Christmas Later that afternoon her friend Alice called over to see if she was alright they went into the sitting room and Alice asked Sally what she was doing for Christmas and Sally told her that she was spending it wit family. Then Alice what her two boys were getting off Santa and Sally replied James wants a bike and Thomas wants a transformer and a PlayStation of course Sally said to Alice James wants an iphone but you can be sure he’s not getting it. He’s way to young for an iphone. Then the door bell rings again and Sally answers the door it was Marianne Hughes she said to Sally thank you for giving the sack I hope you’ll enjoy eating your Christmas dinner together and your children opening their Christmas presents. But my children won’t have that luxury will they? No they will be heart broken when they won’t be getting what they wanted for Christmas. I really hope you choke on your turkey Merry Christmas she told Marianne but she just walked away. Jesus it’s really like central Station here today I’ve never seen you so busy. Believe with the life I have I’m always kept going. Who was that anyway? Alice asked. It was no of importance Sally replied I better go. When are you heading home? Tomorrow Sally replied. We’re suppose to get a snow storm for the weekend. I know Alice replied and it’s going to be a bat one at that. I’ll see you when you get back Alice told Sally Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you as well Sally replied It was seven in the evening and she hadn’t eaten all day so she put some pasta in the microwave and poured herself a glass of wine. As she was waiting for the pasta she turned on the radio and the weather man came on he said that a snow storm was heading towards her direction. So sally told herself that she better leave in the morning. The phone rang again and the stalker asked her if she got the parcel and Sally replied by saying to then you’re nothing but a sick twisted person but the stalker just laughed. Sally then told the stalker that she will ring the police if they don’t leave her alone. The stalker asked Sally if she was enjoying her pasta. Sally hung up and go frightened the stalker might be somewhere in the house she thought. Stop playing mind games sally shouted at the top of her voice so sally went over to the drawer and got a big knife. Then there was silence again. Sally asked then to show themselves that you’re nothing but a coward. Sally then thought she heard noise upstairs so she went up and the phone rang again. She picked it up and the voice told her to come downstairs and maybe they could have a glass of wind. So sally rushed downstairs and went into the kitchen and there standing in front of her was her step daughter. What do you want from me Sally asked? My inheritance she replied now I’m going to get what’s rightfully mine. I may have lost everything she said to sally but you can be sure you’re going to get what coming to you Written By Denis Michael O Sullivan © October 2018

Dancing in the moonlight It was half eight and as the maid walks into the bedroom she puts the tray on the table... She then pulls the curtains and as the sun shines into the room she greets Miss Emma with a warm welcome.” Good Morning Miss Emma it’s a beautiful day outside. Emma gets out of bed and walks over to the window. She opens the window and takes a deep breath. I have your clothes ready for today Thank you Sarah Miss Emma replied. . She then walks over to the table and takes one look at her breakfast and she refuses to eat it. So she got dressed and went downstairs. As she was walking down the hall she noticed a new girl around the same age as she was polishing the floors. Miss Emma walks over to her and asks her name. The young girl replied by saying Victoria Miss but people just call me Vicky. You’re not from around this parts are you? Miss Emma asked No Miss I’m from Ireland. My father couldn’t find work so we came to England. Then Miss Emma then got curious and asked her what your father works as He’s a cobbler Vicky replied. Miss Emma then asked her do you have any Siblings Yes Miss there are eight of us. When suddenly the Governess came over to her and told Miss Emma that Lady Catherine wanted to have a word with her So Emma went to see her mother. I As she arrived at the door she gently knocked. She then suddenly she heard a voice say you May come in. So Miss Emma walked into the room that was filled with cigarette smoke. There was silence when Emma first went in but Lady Catherine then spoke and said I suppose you are wondering why I’ve called you here? Lady Catherine asked Emma. But Miss Emma didn’t say a word... I just wanted to let you know that we are having party for Lord Everest and Lady Sarah tonight. I also want to let you know that Sir William is attending and I want you to look your best. Yes Mother Miss Emma replied. Lady Catherine then went on to say that we’re are having pre – dinner drinks in the lounge. That’s all for now you may go Lady Catherine told her. Thank you Mother. Emma then left the room Later that day as Vicky was heading towards the kitchen and she heard some load yelling. . It was Miss Emma she was complaining about something but Vicky wasn’t sure about what and as Vicky entered the kitchen Miss Emma stormed out. She was upset about something and she didn’t know why. Vicky then heard the staff talk badly about Miss Emma and Vicky didn’t like it but Vicky knew that Miss Emma needed a friend so she went out after her. Vicky approached Miss Emma and asked her if everything was alright but Miss Emma never replied back. So Vicky then asked Miss Emma if she wanted to talk but Miss Emma told her that she was alright but she clearly wasn’t. And Miss Emma couldn’t understand the reason why Vicky was being so nice to her so she asked her and Vicky replied by saying I’m just a friendly person that’s all. So they spent an hour walking the gardens when Vicky realized that she had to go back to work. She told Miss Emma that the Governess would be looking for her and that she would get into trouble so Miss Emma thanked her for listening and Vicky just smiled and said Anytime Miss. So Vicky heads back to the house and the Governess asked where she was. Vicky told her that she was on her break and she decided to go outside The Governess wasn’t too happy and told Vicky that when she is taking her breaks to let her know. So Vicky apologised and went back doing her chores. As Vicky started working one of the other maids came over to her and said once you have finished polishing the hall you can start on the lounge. But Miss Emma over heard the conversation and went over to Vicky and asked her if she wanted to attend a dinner party tonight for Lord Everest and Lady Sarah But Vicky got hesitant and said I’m sorry but I can’t miss But Miss Emma wasn’t haven’t any of it and asked her why? I wouldn’t fit in with the crowd Vicky told her I wouldn’t know what to say or how to act .But Miss Emma wasn’t having any of her excuses so she then asked her if she had ever attended a dinner party before? No she replied except for my siblings. So you never attended any party before with any of your friends? I don’t have friends Miss she replied. Half an hour later Miss Emma came back and told Vicky to get her coat but Vicky was curious to where they were going. So Vicky asked her. Shopping Miss Emma told her. But Vicky wasn’t sure if she should or not and told Miss Emma that she had to work and what would the Governess say. Miss Emma replied I told the Governess that you are working for me today and not to say another word about it. So they got their coats and headed to the car which was parked outside. They both got into the car and as they drove off there was silence. Then the chauffer then asked Miss Emma where to? Town please Henry. But Miss Emma was curious to know more about Vicky so she asked her if she could meet her family. Vicky smiled at her and said it would be a pleasure. So they got to the boutique and they went inside. There to greet them was Jeffery who said Good afternoon to you Miss Emma want can I do for you today? I’m looking for an elegant dinner dress for tonight. Miss Emma told him. I have just the one for you Jeffery told her so he went over and got the dress. When he came back Miss Emma told Vicky to try the dress on But It’s for you Vicky told her. Miss Emma just smiled and said it’s actually for the party tonight but I can’t go Miss because I’ll be needed to serve the guests. Don’t worry about it! Tonight is about you enjoying yourself my mother told me that I could invite one person Emma told her and she was hesitant about Vicky going so Miss Emma told her I really don’t think I would fit in you’ll be fine Miss Emma reassured her. So they left the shop and got into the car and headed towards where Vicky lived. Before they arrived at the house Miss Emma asked Vicky. Are you sure it s alright for me to see where you live? But Vicky just smiled and said I don’t mind I would love you to meet my family. It would be an honour Miss Emma replied. Then Vicky Jokingly said to Emma I must warn you my family are completely mad but Emma just smiled and said I should fit in well then. They both laughed. As they arrived at the house Vicky’s family came out to greet them. They got out of the car and headed towards her family. Vicky then said Miss Emma this is my mother Jessica and this is my father jack. Emma then said it’s a pleasure in meeting you. Vicky’s mother then said Please come in. Thank you Emma replied. So they went in and as you walked in you could get the smell of fresh baking. Mrs Fitz then went into the kitchen and put on the kettle. She then came back into the sitting room and said to miss Emma there is nothing like a hot cuppa and a slice of apple pie Emma just smiled. Vicky then told her mother would you believe I’m going to a dinner party tonight and Miss Emma bought me a dress for the occasion. But Mrs Stokes didn’t seem a bit happy about it. she then asks Miss Emma Are you sure it’s alright to bring Vicky to such an engagement like this Miss? It’s just that she has never been to one before and I would worry about her. But Miss Emma reassured her by saying that she will be fine that she’s a pure natural when it comes to people. Miss Emma then looked at the time and said to Vicky we better be getting back or they’ll be sending out a search party looking for us. Miss Emma then turned to Mrs Stokes and said Thank you for your kind hospitality and the apple pie was absolutely lovely. When is the dinner party on Mrs Stokes asked Miss Emma. Friday night she told her. So they said their goodbyes and sat into the car and drove off. As they were heading back Miss Emma said to Vicky you really do have a very nice family It must be the Irish charm.Vicky answered Yes it must be Miss Emma replied. Do you miss Ireland? Miss Emma asked Vicky. At first there was silence then Vicky spoke and said Yes Miss I do. What do you miss most about it? Miss Emma asked. I miss my friends but we had to move to England because there was no work for my father and he couldn’t support us all so I had to work so we can put food on the table. As they were heading back to Manor lodge Vicky got curious and asked Miss Emma. If you don’t mind me asking Miss where is your father? Miss Emma told her that he spends a lot of time away but does come home Occasionally. So they arrived back to the house and; before they got out of the car Emma told Vicky not to say anything to anyone about today I won’t Miss don’t worry Vicky replied. So they went inside and just as they were literary walking in the door Mary went over to Vicky and said the Governess was looking for you you’re in trouble now she laughed. So she went to the cloak room to get her aprons and as she turned around Mary was behind her . Jesus Mary you scared the life out of me . Had you a good afternoon Mary asked but Vicky didn’t answer. The Governess knew I was going out with Miss Emma so what’s the problem? The problem is Mary replied is that I had to do all your chores on top of mine. Do you really think I really care Vicky said in a sarcastic voice. Then suddenly they heard footsteps heading in their direction . It sounds like the Governess Mary told Vicky. And when the governess arrived she said to Vicky I was wondering where you were hiding. You should be doing chores instead of talking. Sorry Miss I will go back to doing them straight away. The governess then turned to Mary and asked what excuse have you? So they both headed off to do there chores. So Vicky went about her chores and when she had finished she went to the kitchen. As she walked in there was silence she felt a cold presence as she walked in. She knew they were talking about her and this upset her. She then told them that if they have a problem with her to talk to Miss Emma. She then went about her chores and didn’t take any notice of them she didn’t know why they were treating her like this. She never did any harm to anyone but she left the kitchen and went outside. As she was clearing her head she got upset and thought about her beloved Ireland and how she missed it. She then started to sing a song called My Beloved Donegal. As she sang her voice was as gentle as nightingale that could be heard in the distance. When suddenly Miss Emma sneaked up behind her. Jesus Miss Emma you scared the life out of me. What are you doing out in this drastically cold weather? Emma asked her. I just needed to clear my head You miss Ireland don’t you? Emma asked her. Vicky went silent and then spoke and said I do miss very much. Let’s go inside before we catch our deaths so they both went in. When they went inside Emma told Vicky to go to her room and to get ready but Vicky knew she felt that she wouldn’t fit in with the rest of the guests. She also knew that other staff wouldn’t like it and she had enough grievance from them today and she didn’t want anymore. So she told Miss Emma that she thought she shouldn’t go but Emma asked her why? I’m sure you would fit in with the other guests. I have to work anyway Miss. Who told you that have to work Emma asked her. The Governess Sarah replied. Well you work for my parents and I’m telling you that you don’t have to work tonight so get up those stairs and get ready we are going to party But Vicky said to Miss Emma seriously Miss I rather not go tonight if you don’t mind. Well I can’t twist your arm and make you go but are you sure? Yes Miss but thank you As Miss Emma was finished talking to Vicky the governess approached Miss Emma Sorry for the interruption Miss the Governess said to Miss Emma. No problem Emma told her what can I do for you? She told Vicky she can go back to her duties. Yes Miss Vicky replied. The guest will be arriving soon and I was wondering if we should take them to the lounge the governess asked her? Please do Emma replied to her and make sure everyone has a glass of champagne. Yes Miss the governess replied. She then went up to Vicky and told her as the guest arrive to take their coats and take them to the Lounge and to make sure everyone glass was full. Yes Miss Vicky replied Then lord Everest and Lady Sarah arrived and behind them was Sir William a well-mannered and respected gentleman who had an interest in horses. Vicky went up to Lord Everest and Lady Sarah and offered them a pre-dinner drink. Then she approached Sir William and offered him one but Sir William was curious. He then said to Vicky your Irish aren’t you? Yes Vicky replied. What part? Sir William asked her. Donegal Sir she replied. He then said to her Please don’t call me Sir just call me William or Bobby he replied. They start to laugh. Then he asked her Why did you move to England? Because my father couldn’t find work she replied. Oh I see Lord William replied. My father tried sheep farming but he couldn’t provide for us all but my father now works in the mills. Then Sir William then said You must have a large family. There are ten of us Vicky answered. My God that is a large family he replied. I’m an only child he told her and everyone thinks that I get everything handed to me on a silver plate but believe me it doesn’t work way I still have to work just earn money. Then suddenly Sir William asked Vicky if she wanted to dance with him but Vicky was embarrassed to dance in front of al these people. So she told Sir William that she can’t dance, But Sir William wasn’t taking No for an answer and told her to meet him outside in ten minutes. It was a beautiful night and the moon was as bright as day light. Sir William came out and saw that she was shaking so he took off his coat and put around the shoulders. He then took her to look up at the sky when suddenly they saw a shooting star. Make a wish he told hBer but Vicky said I don’t know what to wish for so he told her to wish for whatever she really want. So she made the wish and just as she was going to tell him what she wished for he told her not to tell anyone. Sir William then took off the coat from her shoulders and took her left arm and told her to follow his footsteps Vicky was a bit astonished and told Sir William that she had never danced before, Sir William just smiled and told her that she was doing great. She never imagined that she would be dancing but Sir William just smiled and said I told you it was easy. After the song had finished Vicky told him that she had to go back in that they would be looking for her. So he gave her a kiss and he said thank you. For what? she asked him. For that wonderful dance so he gave her a kiss on the cheek and she sneaked back in but it will be a night she will never forget. A lot has happened since the night of the party Vicky got married to a gentleman named Edward and Miss Emma immigrated to America and Sir William well no one has seen or heard from him since the night of the party. They say he joined the army and was killed in the line of duty. But that was just a hoax because one day he arrived back into town and heard that Vicky’s husband had a wicked temper. But he was curious and decided to pay her a visit. When he arrived he knocked at the door but there was no answer. So he knocked again but still there was no answer so he went to the back and looked in the kitchen window. He saw Vicky lying on the ground so he broke the back door and went inside. He was shocked to see Vicky face all bruised and asked what monster has done this to you? He said in a tearful voice. When suddenly Edward walked in and told Sir William to get out of his house. You can do whatever you like to me he replied but I’m not going anywhere without Vicky But Vicky then spoke and told Sir William that she told him that she loved him. But Sir William told her that he wasn’t leaving without her. Then suddenly Edward without out of the room and came back in with a shoot Gun and said to Sir William that if he didn’t leave he would have the right to shoot him as an intruder. But Sir William wasn’t leaving and when Edward went to shoot him Sir William Struggled with him when suddenly Vicky heard a loud bang. The gun accidently went off and shot Edward. Both Vicky and Sir William didn’t know what to do. They called an ambulance and as they were waiting Edward told Vicky he wanted to tell her something so she went down and Edward apologized for hurting her and that he loved her. But before the ambulance arrived Edward passed away. Sir Edward then went over to Vicky and put his arm around her. They then left and Sir William took Vicky to her parent’s house.; As they were driving Vicky told Sir William that she thought she would never see him again and she thought he was dead but Sir William replied by saying I’m here now. She knew she didn’t have to live in fear anymore and he would never hurt her again. He then walked her to the door and kissed her forehead . Sir William then asked her if she wanted to come with him to Italy but she told him that her family needed her and she had to stay here. As the weeks and months past she never followed him to Italy. She occasionally got a letter but that stopped and she never heard from him again. But she will never forget the night she danced with him in the moonlight Written By Denis Michael O Sullivan © October 2018

Echo in the distance As the hughes drove up the mountain all that could be heard was the sound of the crashing sea against the rock and the sound of crying hungry seagulls. For it was autumn and it was so bitterly cold and as they approached the house it stood hidden among the trees.and the fog it was hard to see from a distance. When they arrived they were amazed to see an old georgian house standing so empty and lonely. There was a lot of work to be done to it but that wasn’t a problem. As they walked up the steps they opened the door and upon entering the old building which had old paintings hanging on the walls. So jim went into the sitting room and went over to the fire place and got some kindling and some coal and lit a fire. The house was so bitterly cold and damp it wasn't occupied in years. Joanne went into the kitchen and made them both a sandwich and a cup of coffee.she brought the food into the warmth of a burning fire. the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the wind howling and of a burning fire. They had to use lanterns just so they could have some light. Joanne then took off her shoes and put her feet near the burning fire and lit up a cigarette.Jim was tired so he told joanne that he was going to bed and was she coming up soon. I will soon joanne replied As soon as I finish my cigarette so Jim head up to bed. As she finished her cigarette she went to bed and as she went in jim was fast a sleep.Jim was always a sound sleeper and never had problems sleeping. Joanne got into bed but she couldn’t sleep. She kept hearing crying sounds but she didn’t know where it was coming from. She got out of bed and looked out the window and at first she didn’t see anything but when she looked again there was a young boy out in the garden. But she didn’t know where he had come from. She looked again but he was gone. She was puzzled to why there was a young boy standing in the garden. She went back to bed and fell a sleep The next morning they were both up early.They went downstairs and made the coffee. Joanne was still very tired she didn’t sleep to well. Are you alright jim asked? why joanne asked him. It’s just that you were a bit restless in bed last night. It looked like you where dreaming about something and you kept calling william and i can’t figure out why? It was probably just a bad dream joanne told him. So after breakfast they went into town. As jim went shopping for groceries joanne wanted to know more about the history of that old georgian house so she went into a shop and started asking questions. But the shopkeeper warned her saying that bad things happen in that house and they should leave. Jim then walked in and said this is where you’re hiding he said jokingly. she thanked the shopkeeper and they both left the shop. As they were heading back to the house jim asked joanne what was that about and joanne told him it was nothing. As they were walking back they passed an old graveyard so they went in to have a look. when joanne came across an old grave which said william wallace born july 17th 1856 died in December 1866 that must be him she quietly said to herself. She couldn’t help thinking about their young son who was around the same age when he passed away two years ago. Later that evening as they sitting by the fire joanne asked jim do you believe in ghosts. No he said in a sarcatic voice why? It’s nothing she replied. It’s probably just my imagination. So as they sat by the fire they were chatting jim told joanne I told my therapist that i was talking to myself. And she said that was fine as long as you don’t answer yourself back, i told her that i did. She said that is a problem. I told her i know but do know something? no what the therapist replied At least no will answer you back and that won’t be a problem. God i don’t know where you get them from she laughed. It was getting late and it was time for bed. so jim headed up and asked joanne if she was coming she said she’ll be up after i have a cigarette. After she had finished her cigarette she went upstairs and she got ready and bed and before she got in she heard that crying sound again. She went over to the window and looked out but there was no one there. So just as she was about to get into bed she heard the crying sound again. so she went over the window and looked out the window and standing there was the young boy. So she downstairs and went outside so she could ask the young boy if he was lost or something but when a she went outside the young boy was gone again. She went inside again and went back to bed. Later that night she dreamt of the young boy playing football with his other siblings. He seemed to be happy and he was laughing. The next morning jim was up before joanne. He went into the bedroom and put the tray on joannes lap and went over and pulled the curtains back. He then told joanne that it was a beautiful day. What’s with all of this? Joanne asked. I just wanted to treat you and bring you breakfast in bed. Ah that is so sweet of you joanne replied You didn’t sleep to well did you? not really joanne answered. You kept twisted and turning and i couldn’t get any sleep with you. Joanne laughed and said ya right i couldn’t sleep with your snoring. Then there was silence then jim asked her what do you want to do today? I don’t know joanne replied. Maybe we could go for a long walk along the beach. Ya that’s a great ideal A few days had passed and they decided to go back to the city. They both were self employed and had to return to work. Jim worked as a doctor and joanne worked as a solictor. A week had passed and as they were sitting by the fire jim asked joanne a question. Do you want to go back to the old house he asked her. I don’t know she replied I didn’t sleep to well the last time were there. I need to know he told her so i can book time off? I’m not sure if I should she answered. You’re not going to be happy till you do go back he told her. you’re right joanne told hims so jim rang work and told them that he won’t be in for the rest of the week. So they arrived at the old georgian house at about half nine and the moon was full and it was so bitterly cold. They went inside and jim went out to the car and brought in the stuff from the car in. When he came back in he lit a fire and joanne went into the kitchen and made two cups of coffee. She brought the coffee into the warmth of a burning fire and asked jim if he was hungry. Not really jim replied. As they sat in front of the fire jim made a weird comment. It’s a full moon tonight and do you know why they call it the looney moon Jim asked. No tell me? because people go looney with a looney moon. I better lock the bedroom door tonight she said jokingly .Anyway it’s all superstition she told him. I don’t know about you but i’m heading to bed i’m wreck tired. Are you coming? He asked her i’m going to read my mystery and suspense book she told him. I’ll be up later. Good night hun see you in the morning. And by the way he told her sleep on your side of the bed. Joanne took out another cigarette and as she was smoking her cigarette she couldn’t stop thinking about the young boy. After she had smoked her cigarette she went to bed. She lyed on the bed and fell asleep.. As she was sleeping she was twisting and turning when suddenly she woke up as she imagined jim standing over her with a knife. No jim she pleaded don’t do it. When suddenly jim woke her up from her sleep. What happened? Joanne asked. You had a bad dream. I dreamt you were going to kill me she told him. You wouldn’t try and kill me would you? Joanne asked in a terrifed voice. Of course not why would you think that? She was speechless so jim told her to go back to sleep. She couldn’t go back to sleep so she went downstairs for a cigarette. As she lit the cigarette she couldn’t stop thinking about there young son robert who had died from cancer and as they always say a parent should never have to bury a child. The next morning she walked to the shop to get milk and before she went to the shop and she went into the graveyard and went to the head stone and asked the young boy what does he want her to do? She then went to the shop and got the milk. She heard a couple of gossips talking about her so she turned and said to them do have a problem and stormed out of the shop. As she arrived back at the house jim was weeding the garden which probably hasn’t been done in years and she asked jim what do he want for dinner? What’s there? He asked pizza she replied that’s great he told her i’ll go get a bottle of wine and we can have it with the pizza. Sounds great joanne told him After they had eaten it was getting late and joanne told him that she was going to bed. Are you coming she asked him i’ll be up in a while he told her. So joanne headed to bed and jim started to read his thriller book. As jim was reading his book he heard a noise from outside so he went over to the window and looked out but there was no one there so he then went back reading his book but suddenly he heard noise outside again. So he went over the window again and looked out and there standing in the garden was the young boy. He figured that’s why joanne hadn’t been sleeping to well. He went outside and asked littel boy what did he want but the little boy said mom. Where is your mom jim asked him but the little boy just kept repeating mom. Jim figured he must be lost or something then the little boy started to walk away and jim started to follow him. It was dark and foggy and it was hard to see him. Jim followed him until the little boy suddenly stopped. Jim then asked him where did he live but the little boy kept repeating the word mom. Jim saw that he was near a cliff and everytime he got closer the little boy moved even further. Jim saw that he was right at the edge of the cliff and just as he went to grab him he suddenly disappeared The next morning joanne got up and went downstairs and went into the kitchen but there was no sign of jim. She then went outside and called him but still there was no sign of him. It wasn’t like jim but when a few hours had passed and no jim she decided to ring the police. Joanne knew that something must of happened but what? A week had passed and joanne had to go back to the city. She packed her stuff and started to cry she knew he probably wouldn’t be coming back.she went downstairs and locked the door and went to the car and drove off never to return. To this day jim’s disappearence wil always remain a mystery Written By Denis Michael O'Sullivan © October 2018