The Texas evenings in summers had always wrapped me so warm, wrapping me up in their comforting embrace. I had started to grow on just laying on the bed, mindlessly gazing at the fading sun each evening. Through the open window, the silhouettes of skyscrapers against the purple-pink canvas of the sky was the only art I could afford to enjoy.

The city hummed a soothing melody, a lullaby that lulled me into a peaceful trance. For half a year, this had been my refuge, my sanctuary from the world outside—a world that had hurt me so deeply that I hadn't dared to step out of this brick cocoon since I came back home.

But tonight, things demanded change. I was going out for a dinner date with a man who I used to see as a friend. Anxiety and anticipation surged within me, mixed with a pang of regret.

Was I ready to leave behind this sunset view that had comforted me for so long? Was I ready to face the unknown, to risk my heart again? Most importantly, was I ready to leave Leon behind? The answers eluded me. I was doing this for Mrs. Monika, my kind and caring guardian angel–I had to convince myself to believe that.

She had taken me in when I returned from Memorial Hermann in Houston, battered and broken by the incident that had shattered my life. She had nursed me back to health, physically and emotionally. She had worried and fretted over me, fearing that I would never heal from the past. She had urged me to give life another chance, to find happiness again. Though I doubted I could, I agreed nonetheless, not for myself, but for her.

"You ready, Sara?" Andi's voice snapped me out of my reverie.

"Yeah, coming..."

Andi was more than just a friend to me. She was my soulmate, my confidante, my partner in crime. She had been by my side through thick and thin, through joy and pain. So was her mom, Mrs. Monika, my loving nanny. They were the only reasons I had to keep living. Even after I was separated from my beloved, Leon Stephan Dutch.

My time with Leon back in Houston was indubitably the best time of my twenty three years of a life. He was everything I could ask for. From our chance meeting to his departure he had given me the best life a woman could ask from a man.

Those moments of long hours at Ellen's cafe accompanied by good coffee and meaningful conversations, those troll down the streets holding hands, giggling like idiots, those evenings at the cinema together sharing sweet kisses that tasted like sugar popcorn—I knew they'd never return. Those memories still filled me like soft butterflies with radiant wings—those were the moments that made me live, even today, even to this moment.

I didn't know how to express how much I loved Leon or how much I longed for him now. He was everything to me. We would sit on a bench by the pond for hours, watching kids having their best time playing in puddles. He wanted to have twins. I used to say it'd be a great hazel.

Though the colours had faded in those dreams we dreamt together, though I knew so very well that he was never coming back to paint rainbows in my sky again, I couldn't convince myself to stop. I missed his sweet smell, his warm embrace, his rhythmic heartbeat, his ocean eyes, his smile like the first ray of morning sun, and his voice, a soothing lullaby. The hollow that gnawed at me threatened to tear my soul apart whenever I tried to forget him.

I rose from the stool where I had been sitting at the dressing table and glanced at the mirror. The face staring back at me was pale and lifeless. No amount of makeup or jewellery could fix it. Nothing could fill the gap left by a lost smile.

But I forced myself to smile anyway. I owed it to Mrs. Monika, who had arranged this date for me. She wanted me to move on, to find happiness again. So I put on my best dress and a fake grin, hoping she wouldn't notice the difference. At least one of us would be happy with my efforts.

As I stepped out of the house, Rayan was already there, waiting for me in his car at the door. His gaze lingered on me for a moment too long before he caught himself, and a warm smile spread across his face as he stepped out of the car.

"You look stunning."

I glanced down at my dress, a flowing, deep blue gown that hugged my figure in all the right places. The fabric shimmered softly in the evening light, and the delicate lace details on the sleeves added a touch of elegance. I had chosen it because it was Mrs. Monika's favourite, and I guess it wasn't too bad of a choice.

"Thank you," I replied, "You clean up pretty well yourself."

Rayan chuckled, adjusting his tie. "Well, I had to make sure I looked good enough to be seen with you."

His playful tone eased some of the tension in my chest. As he opened the car door for me, I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes lingered on me, a mixture of admiration and concern. It was clear he wanted this evening to be special for both of us.

We drove in comfortable silence, the city lights blurring into a beautiful haze as we made our way to the Marais. I glanced at Rayan occasionally, feeling a strange mix of familiarity and nervousness. He had always been a good friend, but tonight felt different. We had talked about this. Or rather, Mrs. Monika and Rayan had talked about us. I knew he wished me only the best, and I appreciated his effort.

As we arrived at the restaurant, Rayan quickly exited the car and came around to open my door. He offered his hand, and I took it, feeling a reassuring squeeze as I stepped out.

"Take it easy, okay? We might be in fancy dresses, but I'm just the Rayan you know. Nothing needs to change unless you want it to. Don't feel pressured," he assured, his eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation.

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve settle over me. "You know you're the best, right?"

"Pft, I know," he said playfully. Together, we walked into the Marais, ready to face whatever the night had in store.

Rayan and I had worked together at the same broadcasting agency before I left Texas to follow Leon to Houston. We had been good friends and kept in touch even after I moved. When I returned to Texas six months ago, broken and alone, he was there for me.

He had always loved the Marais. It had been his favourite restaurant since I met him. He loved nights like this; I could tell. It didn't matter who he was with, as long as there was food. So I had little to no worry about being with him tonight.

"I'm surprised you didn't miss the crab cakes they served here after you moved."

"It's been a long time since I've had them," I said as we entered.

The restaurant seemed to have changed a lot in my absence. The last time I was here was four years ago, with Rayan, Janu, and Angelica. We were a team back then, working on the same project. It was my farewell party before I left for Houston.

Seated at a table near the clear glass window, I looked out onto the bustling world outside. We were served a glass of wine, and a soft romantic tune played over a speaker somewhere, mingling with the chatter and laughter of other patrons.

"So, Aunt Monika told me you're thinking of returning to work," Rayan said as we waited for our food.

"Yeah, I can't keep hiding in my shell forever. It's getting rather hot in there now that the season has changed," I replied.

"Might as well go outside and see how shitty this world still is?" he asked, cocking a brow.

"It hasn't changed much in my absence, has it?"

"Not much. No. You still have plenty of things you could hate on if you start tomorrow," he said in a serious tone as he sipped from his glass. I couldn't help but chuckle.

Being a true crime reporter for a leading broadcast agency often brought me face-to-face with the darker side of humanity. Before the incident in Houston, Ryan and I had worked together on several high-profile cases of fraud. We uncovered hidden truths, exposed corruption, and brought justice to the voiceless. Our partnership was more than professional; we were friends who trusted each other completely.

"Well, nonetheless, I'm glad you're coming back. You know, if you want, I can talk to the boss and get you a spot on our team."

"The Forest Rescue Team?"

"Urban Development, actually," he corrected me, taking another sip from his glass. "I won't say it's as exciting as crime reporting, but I guess John has that covered since we retired."

A small smile appeared on my face at the mention of retiring. When I decided to settle with Leon in Houston, I chose to quit the Broadcasting Agency. It wasn't worth risking our future together. Leon, being a detective himself, had seen firsthand the dangers of crime and fraud reporting. He was adamant about not wanting me to continue in such a perilous field, fearing for my safety. He knew too well the threats that came with exposing the truth and didn't want us to live in constant fear.

"I'm the department head now," he added, straightening his shoulders with a hint of pride. "It's different, but it's important work."

"Thanks, Ryan," I said, genuinely appreciative of his offer. It would be great to work with the same team again rather than adjusting to a new one, though it had been quite some time since we had worked together last.

"You know what they say: better the devil you know than the devil you don't."

I laughed. He had a point. After so long, I felt a glimmer of hope. A hope for happiness. A hope for being something better than a broken doll.

word count: 1755

Ghost Fun Facts: 

Have heard of ghosts attached to physical objects or properties?

The Stone Tape Theory: This theory suggests that emotional or traumatic events can be imprinted on the environment, playing back like a recording for those sensitive enough to perceive them.