Noel B

Trespassing

Exploring the abandoned house down the hill was not allowed.

“Because of the ghosts,” Ethan said. “Too scary for you.”

Mason frowned. “I’m not a baby. Let me go or I’ll tell mom.”

“If you’re so brave, skate all the way down to it.”

Mason hesitated. Ethan pushed.

It was a long drop, a hard fall.

Ethan ran to the broken body of his baby brother.

Shadows curled around them. Something needed a body. A body needed a soul.

Something like Mason arose.

“Shh, it’s okay, we can explore the house together!” Ethan blinked away tears. “Just don’t tell mom.”

Afterparty

They X-ray Jess’ fingers and she shuffles back to the ER. She nurses her hand and her pride while she waits on results.

A pretty brunette holding her nose sits next to her and asks what happened.

“Dancing drunk.” Jess grimaces. “Accidentally decked some girl in the face.”

“Oh?” The girl tilts her head back, as if basking in the sun instead of fluorescent lights. “I’m sure she’d forgive you if she saw you were this cute.”

Jess’s cheeks feel sunburnt. “What about you?”

“Some drunk girl.” She smiles through bloody fingers. “Hit me square in the face while dancing.”