The Neighbors – Part 4
Bronwyn looked over at the headstone, the sadness overwhelming her expression. “I don’t know why he won’t come out. Everyone here comes up, but David won’t.”
Cassie felt sad for her. She could tell how much she missed David. The little girl couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be separated from her mom and dad like that.
”Did you call his name?” Cassie asked.
“Many times,” Bronwyn answered quietly.
Cassie was silent for a minute and then asked, “Did the man in the big hat try to call his name?”
Bronwyn knitted her brow and then realized who the little girl was talking about.
“Mr. Phelps? Oh, he thinks I’m silly. He told me David is just in a better place. He won’t come out because he can’t. He’s in Heaven playing with the angels,” she explained.
Cassie shrugged. “He might be right. Maybe he’s busy in heaven. Mommy tells me you can bounce on the clouds up there.”
Bronwyn began to pace, her emotion and frustration taking over and causing the woman to wring her hands as she spoke.
“But I want him here with me,” she said, agitation evident in her words. “He was so small when he passed. Mr. Phelps says if I can just accept that David isn’t coming, I may be able to move on and see him in Heaven. But what if he is wrong? What if David is here and he is just lost? What if he can’t find me?”
Cassie walked over to Bronwyn, putting herself in her path so the woman stopped her frantic pacing.
“I can try to help you,” the girl offered.
Bronwyn stopped and stared at Cassie. After a few seconds, she smiled and said, “I would like that.”
***
Mr. Phelps, the man in the big hat, watched as Bronwyn and the little girl began exploring the graveyard. He had to keep an eye on them. It was important. and if he took his eyes off them even for one second. the consequences could be devastating. He was already trapped in the cemetery. He didn’t want anything else to torment his lost soul.
Other spirits in the cemetery poked out from behind headstones. Some sat on the small hills around the perimeter, while others roamed close to the edge of the property that overlooked a field about 100 feet below. There used to be a fence along the small cliff, but with barely any living beings visiting the graveyard, the township no longer kept it up. Any houses in the area all had their own fences, and residents rarely even acknowledged the old graveyard was there.
Mr. Phelps watched as Bronwyn and Cassie began to head toward the edge, just before the land made that 100-foot drop. As they did, the spirits that lingered nearby dipped and hid, not knowing if it was wise to show themselves to the living girl. Cassie didn’t seem to notice them, and if she did. she didn’t let on. She kept her focus on Bronwyn, and Mr. Phelps watched as the pair chatted happily as they drew close to the edge.
It was up to him to save the little girl.
