The Ghost

Flash fiction piece on someone seeing a ghost

Everyone in the village had seen it. A wraith-like figure wandering in the haze of dusk. It became my sole purpose to get a glimpse. Why did it elude me so?

I took an oath to do whatever it takes. The forest beckoned to me and its welcome embrace steadied my nerves.

It was still early in the day. The foliage was thickest on my path. Dead leaves lay decaying in the moist soil as I trundled on unmindful of the direction. A determination I never had steeled me against all fears.

As the sun began its inexorable descent, a mist took hold of the forest; clinging to the ground and blanketing my feet with its soft white glow. I didn’t want to give up. Maybe this was the time for the apparition to manifest itself.

A sound from the bushes alerted me and my hopes soared. What would it look like when I cast my eyes upon it? I parted the multi-hued green cover. A deer so lovely I had never seen. Her eyes were like black liquid marbles with a face so serene and calm. She reared her head as she caught sight me. I expected her to bolt away but she held my gaze. After an eternity, we dissolved the status quo.

I sighed in failure and made my way home. It was late evening. The village fires warmed my soul as I approached.

A little girl came out of the far end of the forest with dried wood in her hand. I waved to her. She looked up and a look of pure terror changed her face. She dropped her load and pointed a wavering finger towards me. I looked back in fear. There was no one else.

I had seen the ghost.