Chapter 2
They were all old high school friends, so the vibe warmed up fast. People swapped stories, sharing funny moments from the years. The whole place buzzed with laughter and energy.
From their conversation, I learned the girl with James was named Sarah Shaw.
Someone asked Sarah what she did for work.
Sarah smiled, "I'm a doctor, working in bone cancer research."
Between mouthfuls, my neighbor looked up. "My neighbor's daughter had bone cancer, too, I think."
Sarah asked, "Oh, how is she? If she needs help, she can come to our hospital. I'll check on her myself."
As she spoke, she reached into her bag for a business card, offering it to my neighbor.
My neighbor shook her head, not taking it. She sighed heavily, "No need. She passed three years ago. Such a shame. Only 24."
Sarah paused, looking genuinely sad.
Yeah, that girl my neighbor mentioned? That was me.
My heart raced the whole time, with me terrified James might overhear.
Thankfully, my neighbor never said my name, and James wasn't paying attention at all.
He'd been glued to his phone since arriving, texting nonstop like something urgent couldn't wait.
*****
After the reunion ended, I drifted home.
But when I got there, Mom was nowhere to be found. Panic hit me hard.
I searched every corner of the house and the neighborhood. No sign of her anywhere.
Since I died, this was the first time I'd been away from Mom this long—and the moment I returned, she'd vanished.
As a ghost, I couldn't ask for help or call the police. I could only keep searching, frantic with worry.
Floating by a narrow alley, I finally spotted her.
The alley was dim. I could just make out her familiar shape—and beside her, a woman with long hair, face hidden in shadows.
I rushed over as fast as I could float.
Meanwhile, they walked out of the alley together.
I checked Mom head to toe—once I was sure she wasn't hurt, I relaxed.
That was when I noticed—the woman beside Mom was Sarah from the reunion.
My stomach dropped. If Sarah was here, James might show up too.
Those two seemed inseparable. When the reunion ended, they'd left together arm in arm.
I tensed instantly, terrified James might appear—because while Sarah didn't know Mom, James definitely did.
Neither Mom nor I should ever run into James again, especially with her mind so fragile. One wrong word and everything could fall apart.
Thankfully, once they left the alley, Mom said goodbye. "Thank you, young lady. My place is just nearby—I can get home on my own. Thanks for walking me back."
So Mom had gotten lost, and Sarah had helped her find the way home.
Mom's memory had been failing badly this year. Whenever she went too far, she forgot how to get back.
Sarah hesitated, regarding my mother with gentle concern. "Are you sure you remember? Want me to walk you to your door?"
Mom shook her head with a smile. "No, thanks. I remember the way."
Right then, neighbors hanging outside their doorsteps heard voices and looked over, waving and greeting Mom.
Mom lit up, chatting back cheerfully.
Reassured by the familiar neighbors surrounding my mother, Sarah waved goodbye and turned to leave.
Floating above, I called out, "Thank you," to Sarah.
She couldn't hear me, but I had to say it—if Sarah hadn't helped Mom tonight, who knew what might've happened.
Once I'd said my thanks, I drifted after Mom as we headed home.
We'd barely gone a few steps when someone called from behind, "Sarah."
The voice was achingly familiar. I turned instinctively—and sure enough, it was James.
Parking must have delayed him. Finding a spot in these narrow alleys was a nightmare.
Luckily, Mom's hearing wasn't great anymore. She didn't catch James calling out and just kept shuffling home, oblivious.
Once I was sure Mom was safe, I stopped, unable to look away.
James walked to Sarah. "What are you doing here? I was expecting to find you at the mall entrance."
Sarah slipped her arm through his and smiled, "I ran into an older lady at the mall who was lost, so I walked her home."
As she spoke, she pointed toward Mom.
James followed her gesture, frowning as he watched Mom, looking thoughtful.
Sensing his distraction, Sarah smiled, "What's wrong? Why the serious look?"
James replied, "That older lady looks familiar."
"Want to go see if you know her? Maybe you do," Sarah asked.
My heart hammered out of control. Please don't recognize her, please...
James looked away quickly. "No, I'm probably seeing things. Let's go—your mom's probably getting anxious."
Sarah nodded, and arm in arm, they turned to leave.
I watched them go the whole way.
From how James talked, sounded like he'd already met Sarah's family.
They might be getting married soon. Hell, they could already be married.
After James moved overseas, I completely lost touch with him. It'd been years—he could be married by now.
The thought made my chest ache.
Back then, I'd fantasized about finishing school and spending my life with him—being his bride, building our home.
But reality was cruel. No matter what, I was never meant to wear his wedding dress.
As I stood there lost in thought, James had only gone a few steps when he suddenly glanced back. For a moment, it felt like we made eye contact.
My heart nearly leapt out of my chest. Panicking, I looked away and almost tried to hide.
Then it hit me—I was dead. Currently a full ghost. No way James could actually see me.
With that, my anxieties settled.
Fortunately, James just glanced back once before turning away. I kept watching until both he and Sarah disappeared completely. Only then did I head home.
I thought that would be the last time I'd see James—and I was content with that. But I was wrong. Something completely unexpected happened.