“When I woke up, it was Wednesday, which is the day I’m recording this. I’ve lost a day. Okay not a complete day, and maybe it was providence that I slept through the night. I can only imagine the horrors that settled just beyond my salt line. To my delight, I was able to stand. If I broke something, it’s minor because I can walk and bend and lift. I’m still throwing up, and that bothers me. And I have waves of dizziness which have increased after my physical activities.
“Back on track. I cleared a safe zone and inventoried my supplies. I have soup, water, two flashlights, a small lantern, a four-pack of Bic lighters, a hammer, screwdriver, this tape recorder, a pack of eight cassette tapes, batteries for the recorder, batteries for the flashlights, and a blanket. If the ghosts drain the batteries, I’m pretty much screwed for light unless I burn some debris, and I can’t do that until I’ve established a flow of good air. And when things go pear-shaped, there is that funny little candle I found in my pajama pocket. Why do they put little pockets in pajama shirts? I bet it’s for cigarettes. I mean we all know how safe smoking in bed is,” Burt said and allowed himself a laugh.
“My mother insisted the males in the house wear these pajama sets. I don’t know where she got them, probably Sears. Anyway, even when I visited, she had a pair setting on the bed for me to use. You may remember that when we visited… She didn’t like that we shared a room. She didn’t like you. Showed she didn’t have my best interests at heart, just her Kansan morality.” Burt sighed. “Ted, if you’re listening, don’t take offense, and don’t take this out on Mia, past is past. Hey, right now, past is future. Or is the future the past? There’s something for your big brain to figure out. It should keep your mouth shut for a while. I’ve never known anyone who talked as much as you, well, except for Brian…
“Mia, I can see you clearly. We’re all enjoying the gumbo Cid’s made. You’re laughing. You rarely laughed in the beginning of this… I mean when we first met. You had this tragic vibe and secrets – oh, were there secrets. Stephen Murphy for one. I don’t know if you know this, but he lashed out at me when we were trapped on the yacht during the hurricane. I didn’t see it, but I’m sure you know that ghost was in love with you. I don’t think he is now. Something happened, and I can see the friendship between the two of you crumbling. Sure, you work side by side, but gone is the way you two look at the other. You have this hurt expression that I know all too well. Most of the time I caused it. Then Ted and now Murphy. Through the camera lens, I can see the bastion of your friendship is falling into ruin.
“Mike and I talked about it recently, well, in the future… Damn, this is confusing. Anyway, we both think you’re strong enough to continue on without the ghost, but is our assessment tainted by our need to be your Murphy? Mike is upfront and honest enough to lay his cards out on the table, much to Ted’s disgust. You may think he’s just being flirty, but I assure you that isn’t the case. If something does happen to Ted, will you move on to another? I’m probably dead, not that you’d consider me anyway. I’ve wounded you too deeply. Cid? I’d like to think he’d step in and care for you and the boys until your grief has passed, but I don’t think that the memory of Ted will allow anything to form between the two of you.
“And then you have the supernatural entities to deal with. What a scary and wondrous life you lead. You’ve commented that it’s a pain in butt, but to be that important to so many entities has to be gratifying. You’re a queen bee who’d much rather be a drone. You’ve been PEEPs drone. You didn’t steal the spotlight from any of us. My fears were unfounded.
“I wonder who you are right now? Let’s see, you’d be twelve. Now I feel like a perv. Yes, I know I’m seventeen… Now I really feel like a perv. Okay, you’re this little kid who, from your own account, is living a shitty life. You’re not connecting with your parents, and the Council of Women is fucking up anything good that has come your way. Why? They want you bitter, baby. They wanted a sociopath, but your angel genes kicked in. Unless there are sociopaths in Heaven. Somehow, I doubt it. You were supposed to kill this fallen archangel named Abigor. But no, you guys bumped knuckles, and in doing so, the world was saved. How fun is that! So, don’t let the bullies get you down. You, Mia, are a marvel.
“I want to apologize for my part in
