sunlight that had been practically nonexistent seconds ago.
“Emmeline.”
My name echoed throughout the desert. I spun around, and gasped once I saw the... thing that
had called my name.
It was a woman... Her skin was a pale, lifeless grey -matching her chapped lips- my stomach
churned at the sight of it. In fact, the only part that seemed to have color was her long, matted
black hair.
“How do you know my name?” I asked timidly. I glanced at Dad, who seemed to be even more
terrified than I was.
She then bent down, whispering in my ear, “I can read your mind you know, all ghosts can.”
She whispered, “You’re wondering how I got here... let me answer your question: you stepped on
my bones, you awakened me.” I nervously attempted to reply.
“I-I-” I stuttered uncontrollably. She smirked, floating dangerously close to me. I clutched
Dad’s hand tightly.
“Cat got your tongue?” She inquired. I heard a gruff voice from behind me,
“Leave her alone,” Dad said gravely, “I don’t know what you want, but leave my daughter out
of it.” I looked at my Dad in shock; I had never heard him raise his voice before.
“Oh I assure you,” She smirked, “You need me more than I need you.” Dad scoffed, stepping
forward, his eyes glued on her.
“Is that so?” He asked scornfully, “What, may I ask, would we possibly need from you?” A
wicked smile appeared on her face.
“How do you suppose you’ll survive without water?” She asked, “Young Emmie here already
seems terribly parched- not to mention you’re not even close to finding that tiara, are you?” Dad
laughed coldly.
“I’m sure you’ll be happy to know,” Dad began, pulling out two flasks from inside his
backpack, “That we have more than enough water for both of us, thanks for your concern though.”
She chuckled maliciously, and with a lazy flick of her finger-
“What the-” Dad muttered, feeling the flasks’ sudden drop in weight. He inspected the flasks
all around, only to find that there were two large holes burnt through the bottoms!
“What do you want?” Dad sighed. I looked at Dad in surprise, thinking that he must’ve had a
backup plan up his sleeve. However, seeing his defeatist attitude, I knew he was out of options.
“A favor.” She smirked, “Bury me next to my husband, and I’ll see that you make it through
the desert alive.”
“How do you suppose we find your husband anyway?” Dad asked, “You can’t expect us to dig
up the whole desert.” I nodded, wanting to be included in the discussion.
“I know exactly where he’s buried, I just need you to bring me there.” She explained.
“Em, could you grab the ziplock bag from my backpack?” Dad requested. I nodded, swiftly
getting the bag. I handed it to him, then watched as he scooped up her remains into it.
“Good.” The ghost said, smiling triumphantly, “Now, to find my husband, head North-”
“We’ll do that- after you lead us to water.” Dad interrupted. She smirked, nodding.
“Follow me.”
I sighed happily, while Dad was simultaneously pouring water into one flask, and slurping
from another. The ghost let out a shrill, and patronizing laugh.
“Let’s go,” she demanded, “And don’t even think of escaping, you have no idea what I’m
