Family Matters

The sound of chalk scratching against the blackboard filled the room. 

-Khm, let me remind you of the topic of the previous lesson. 

I cleared my throat and turned to the class. Most of the students were paying attention, a couple of them glued to their notebooks, even if they forgot to set themselves on the ground, and were floating slightly, their transparent bodies passing through the desks.

-As I’ve been saying, the boundary between our world, and the so-called “Afterlife” has been gradually closing since 1739, forcing some people to remain in our world, even after passing. 

-They turned into ghosts, yes. 

One of the students raised his voice. Not again. I could only frown, as multiple children looked at the boy with unconcealed disdain. 

-Jason, please, we’ve discussed this. This is a rudimentary term that is very offensive, you shouldn’t be.

-Well, if they didn’t want to be called that, maybe they shouldn’t have died! 

With a corner of my eye, I noticed the thin, transparent girl in the corner of the class sliding into the wall, as her feeble arms tried to close her ears. It was pointless. Death takes a lot from humans, their corporeal form being the main element. You can no longer close your eyes or your ears. You can’t pretend you don’t see or don’t hear things. Everyone’s whispers might as well be shouts, I knew that first-hand. I heard every word my son had just said, and I could see how much he was hurting his classmates. The worst part is that it was all my fault.

-It’s enough Jason. Go to the principal’s office and wait for me. 

He stormed through the room, a few of his classmates yelping in shock as he passed right through them to reach the door. It hurts to see how much disregard for the other’s existence he harboured ever since the accident. 

-I’m sorry children. Please do what you want until the end of the period. Helene, you can come out of the wall. Terry, Eugene, I’m sorry Jason treated you like that, I’ll make sure he apologizes to you. 

The two kids nodded, still shivering. It was an unfortunate consequence of physical contact between ghosts and humans. While we could still touch each other, all each party would feel would be cold. I remember how I tried to hug Jason for the first time after the accident, and he tried pushing me off, only hurting himself even more. I was foolish back then, and now I reaped what I sowed. 

Is there anything I can do to fix this, or… Should I’ve focused on that before Death made the rift between us even greater? 

When I came to the principal’s office, Jason was already there, sitting on the chair and hugging his knees.

- I’m sorry Principal Lockwood, Jason has been acting out again… 

-So I’ve heard. 

The principal stood up and floated to me, with an expression of concern and disappointment mixed on his face. He was a ghost of old, older than this school, or most likely, even this state. He always referred to himself as one of the “original ones”, but back at that time, nobody took track of ghosts. They’ve roamed the Earth unaccounted for, and Frank Bridges Lockwood only regained his identity about sixty years ago, becoming the first ghost principal, and the sole principal of this school ever since. 

He was also the only person who helped me to deal with myself, helping me to get used to what was left of my “life” after the accident. 

-Jason, what do you have to say for yourself? 

Principal’s voice was stern, but not angry. He could always make that stone-cold face, with brows furrowed menacingly. Kids could never sit still under his chilling gaze from beyond, but after what happened to us, Jason could no longer get intimidated by it. 

-Why do I have to live dealing with all this “undeath” bullshit!? How long do I have to pretend that it’s normal? 

He snapped in response, fighting pressure with anger. It hurt to watch. It hurt even more to realise I couldn’t do anything to help in this situation.

-Jason, “undead” is a slur, and you know it. We are…

-” Alternatively alive”, I know! It’s all so stupid, all of it.

He slumped in the chair. 

-I can’t deal with this anymore. You know how ghosts work! They eventually pass on, the Afterlife will take them through a breach in the barrier or something. What am I supposed to do then? When my family is not with me anymore? 

Jason glared at me, but I tried to avoid eye contact. He was right. Our family had no future. And yet, I…

-Say what, let’s leave it at that for now. You are clearly distressed, Jason.

The principal floated passed through the table and kneeled next to him. 

-Why don’t you take a day off? And once you calm down, I’m sure your father will be there to talk… Right, Mr. Young? 

He turned to me, staring expectantly. I nodded, slightly, still avoiding Jason’s gaze. Whether I liked it or not, the principal was also right. Even if this family has no future, it’s my duty as a father to follow through with it before the “passing” happens.

It was already evening when I came home. Nancy greeted me at the door, with a frown on her face. 

-Is something wrong? 

-It’s Madeline… I think she’s sick again. All that chill made her get cold again. 

She led me into the room, and I leaned carefully over the crib, taking a look at my daughter. She was sleeping soundly, my precious little angel, her cheeks flushing pink, likely from the cold. 

-I gave her a bit of medicine and tucked her warm, but frankly said Mr. Young, I don’t think this can keep going…

She hesitated for a moment.

-It’s very irresponsible to keep a child in the same house as the alternatively alive… Even if they are a relative. 

Nancy was a trained nanny, and I bet she saw that situation multiple times. It’s always hard to let a close one go. Especially, when they are still around, and you can even talk to them. I wasn’t ready to let either Madeline or Jason go. I needed them in my life, and they needed me - at least for now. 

-Thank you, Nancy. And sorry for the hassle. I hope Jason didn’t give you any trouble.

-He’s in his room, sir. 

-Did he say something when he came back? 

-He wanted to see Madeline, but I told him she was sick, and he became upset. 

Uh oh. 

-I’m going to check on him. Thanks for today Nancy, you can go for today. The money is in the usual place. 

After Nancy left, it felt like it took me ages to get up the stairs. The door to Jason’s room was slightly opened, and I knocked on it before stepping inside. 

It was a mess, just like it’s always been, and even with the lights out, I could see my son’s shape clearly. He was lying in his bed, facing away from me, and his quiet stifled sobbing scratched my soul like nothing else could.

-Jason…

-What? 

-I’m sorry son. 

-It’s not your fault.

Once again, he was right. It was a drunken driver, speeding through the pedestrian crossing. Nothing I could’ve done to stop it. That was an excuse I was tired of giving.

-No, it’s all my fault. If only I didn’t jump away, then…

This scene has lodged in my brain ever since. The car closed on to us, and I grabbed Madeline to jump away. Leaving only…

-It’s ok Dad. 

Jason’t eyes gleamed with cold, freezing tears, as he turned his transparent face to me. 

-At least you saved Mady…

He smiled, reassuringly, but I saw pain reflected in his ghostly eyes.

-I’m just so sad… I didn’t even go to Mom or Grandpa. I can’t hug you or Mady. I’ll never grow up, I’ll never even fall in love! I…

The world around me felt cold, as I wrapped my hands around him. Through the otherworldly chill, I stroked his hair and rested his face against my chest. No more words were needed. Now I knew that I was blaming myself for naught. Even in Death, our family will be closer than ever.