Chapter 3
Just as Bill was about to step into the bedroom, his phone buzzed.
“Bill, I’m not feeling well. Can you come be with me?” Ima’s voice drifted through, all soft and pitiful.
Bill froze. “Okay, I’ll be there soon. Wait for me
Without a second thought, he turned to leave, but Luca grabbed his hand.
“Daddy, come look at Mommy!” Luca said, trying to tug him toward the bedroom.
Bill, annoyed, shoved him aside. “I’ve got work to do. Go wake your mom up and tell her to make you breakfast.”
Grabbing his coat, he bolted out the door.
I waved my arms, shouting like a madwoman. Don’t go! Just one look! She’s got a stomachache, but I’m dead!”
But of course, Bill couldn’t hear me. He was already halfway to his precious Ima.
The door slammed so hard it rattled the walls, making Luca jump. He let out a wail so loud it bounced off the apartment.
Eventually, he shuffled back to the bedroom, climbed up onto the bed, and curled against my body.
I cried too, watching him. God, I wanted to scoop him up and tell him it’d be okay. But I couldn’t.
Luca had never been away from me–not once since the day he was born. He had to be terrified.
‘What can I do? How can I save my baby?‘
His sobs didn’t stop, just grew raspier, like he was crying himself empty.
Then came a knock–loud and impatient, rattling the door.
“Can’t you quiet that kid down? It’s morning, and no one in the building can sleep!”
Our upstairs neighbor banged on the door, clearly irritated at having his sleep disturbed. My heart jumped. I looked at Luca. ‘Luca, you just have to open the door. That’s all it takes to save you.‘
I crouched down next to him, keeping my voice soft and steady. “You’re my little warrior, okay? Just go open the door. Let the mister inside. He’ll help you. I promise.”
1/2
Chapter 3
Over and over, I begged him, trying to sound braver than I felt.
#25 BONUS
But the banging scared him too much. He burrowed under the covers, tiny hands clamped over his mouth like he thought that’d make the noise go away.
“No, no, baby, don’t hide,” I said, panicking. “Luca, you’re strong! Don’t be afraid.
Mommy’s here, I’m right here with you!”
But of course, he couldn’t hear me. I was just a ghost whispering into silence.
Frustrated, I ran to the door and slipped through the wall.
“Mister, please! Call the police! My baby’s in there!” I screamed, right in the neighbor’s face, my words as useless as air. I even tried grabbing his hand, shoving it toward the doorknob, but–yeah–ghost rules. My hand went straight through.
Oh, right. I’m dead.
I floated back to the bedroom, but things had gone more quiet outside.
Luca shuffled toward the door, his face lit up by the video intercom. The screen showed the neighbor still pounding, still muttering.
“Luca, touch the lock! Open the door!” I shouted, my voice cracking from how hard I was trying.
His hand hovered over the doorknob. He froze, unsure.
I held my breath.
‘Come on, buddy. Just one touch. You’ve got this.‘
The neighbor grumbled louder. “If you don’t shut that kid up- seriously! This is insane!” He let out a final huff before turning to leave.
Luca tilted his head, like he was weighing his options.
“Luca, please! That guy’s leaving! You’ve got to move–NOW!” I begged, my voice shaking.
