I stand and go to the hall off the side of the loft. This hall is creepy. I don’t go down it much, but I do store my suitcases and other random things in one of the rooms. The room is freezing, which is weird, because it’s hot everywhere else.
I rummage around until I find my hiking bag and suitcase and right as I turn to leave, I see him. Just a shadow, he passed right by the opening and down the hall. I stand there for a minute…
maybe the blood was rushing to my head when I was bent over moving stuff around. But there was a cowboy hat. I definitely saw a cowboy hat.
I peek my head out of the room and quickly look both ways. All clear.
“Don’t worry. I will leave this area in excellent hands.”
I walk across the hall to my apartment and drop the bag on my bed. I still have no clue where I am going. I should probably figure that out before I pack so I know what I should bring. I look around my apartment, waiting for an answer to come to me.
“I’m ready,” I whisper.
She told me I can’t open it until I’m ready, and she said I would know when that is. I don’t know how much more ready I can be.
I go to my dresser and open the drawer. I put it in there, so it was out of sight and out of mind. I pull the tape from around it and unfold the top. I move a thin layer of white tissue paper and inside is a…
Squished penny?
156
T. SPEAR
You know, like from one of those machines. You pay like fifty cents and get back a flattened penny. I flip the penny over in my hand and read where it is from--Cypress Boardwalk in Florida. I grab my phone from my nightstand and search for it.
That’s where I am going. If she thinks that’s my answer, then that is where I am going. I stop for a second…I thought she had never visited Florida, though. I wonder how she got this. The possibilities are endless, really.
I swipe over to my texting app and text Chris.
Me: First, will you come check on my place every few days.
The ghost gets lonely. Second, I’m going to Florida.
Chris: Only if Troy comes with me. I’m not fuckin aroundwith the paranormal on my own. And Florida is going to be ablast.
Me: Thanks, man.
Then I text my Mom.
Me: Can I bring Sharkbait over in the morning?
Mom: Sure can. Did you figure out where you are going togo?
Me: Yes. Florida.
Mom: That sounds like paradise. See you tomorrowmorning.
Me: Thanks, Mom.
Now, I have to call Gennie. My stomach twists a little. I’m not even giving her much notice, but I think she will understand.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
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“Hello” Gennie says
“Hey Gennie, it’s Grayson.”