FICTION

The Genia Ghost

Ana Bertha FM-M3

Yes, I was all alone that cold winter night. My brothers and my parents had gone to a party at the home of some relatives. I washed, removed the stubble of my brother's beard, deftly applied the necessary makeup, then dressed in a lovely aqua dress. Seated at my mirror, I put the finishing touches on my face. From the mirror a graceful and rather pretty girl smiled back at me.

The smile suddenly disappeared, though, when I heard a noise outside in the patio. Was it my parents returning, I thought? Even though I was afraid, I cried "Who is there?" No one answered me.

I relaxed somewhat, and again faced the mirror. I smiled and the smile of that girl appeared again. She was not able to continue, however, for I had fled to hide in fear I had seen a shadow cross the window beside me! And this time I was sure that my parents had come home. I crouched in the back of an old closet and dared not to go out.

Time passed and I remained in my hiding place. After a long time. I decided I couldn't stay there all night, and slowly stepped out. determined to find out who or what was there. I searched the whole house, but found no one. Thinking it might be one of my brothers, I called his name several times, demanding that he show himself and stop teasing me. No answer. Apparently no one was there. The house was solitary and completely dark.

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