Welcome (back) to Inside Story.
It’s definitely a weird one today. It involves an irreverent ghost, a nonchalant tenant, and an unlikely friendship between the two.
Just imagine. You’re a creepy ghost and for two centuries, every time you’ve made your presence known, the dwellers react in terror. Right in front of you, they discuss their ploy to exorcise you!
And then this one gutsy tenant is completely unfazed by your presence. In fact, this tenant wants to befriend you!
That’s the premise. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it.
For some stage setting, here’s a picture of the door knocker at the possibly haunted brownstone apartment we rented in Boston in 2019.
This Month’s Issue
Beatrice Makes A Friend. This month’s short story.
Quote of the month
Beatrice Makes A Friend
~500 words | Average Read Time: 2 min | Read Time Range: 1 to 4 min
The beginning:
Nela wasn’t bothered by Beatrice’s presence, despite its translucence and paranormality. Her composure caught Beatrice off guard.
Every other tenant’s first night in the apartment involved failed attempts at exorcisms. They sprinkled salt over their shoulders which left them with a mess to clean up. Pity! They donned garlic necklaces, only to reek for days. I’m not a vampire! They placed lemon halves in all the corners. Well, now you’re just being wasteful! Beatrice would always win. Leases would be broken and Beatrice would have her peace and quiet, until the cycle repeated with the next tenant.
And then came Nela.
P.S. Short stories are available only for a month before they are replaced by the next edition's short story. Read now or forever hold your peace!
Quote of the Month
The philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau says:
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
Thank you!
If you have any feedback or advice or you just want to get something off your chest (like tell me about the ghost you befriended), you can type it into this Google form and anonymously share with me.
Thank you for reading.
This is great. I love the lines about passing from influence and not knowing that she could yodel. Classic and thoughtful.