1 She's Not A Monster

"Do you like it?" his father asked.

Ethan looks up to him and nods, "Yes dad."

"I'm glad you like it," he paused. "Alright, you're probably tired, go get some sleep okay?"

Ethan nods again and climbs to his bed, his father kissed him on his forehead.

"Dad, can you leave the lights on?" Ethan asked.

"Sure," his father said. Then he left and closed the door.

The walls in Ethan's room are painted in a light shade of blue. There's a brown bedside table where a small lamp is placed and a cabinet dresser near the door. There are also a few star stickers on the ceiling.

Even though his new room is nice and cozy, Ethan couldn't help but get anxious, they just moved here and tonight is his first night sleeping here in his new room.

Their new house is bigger than their previous one which only has two rooms while their current one has three.

Ethan didn't tell his parents, but he's kind of sad now that he's away from his one and only friend at school, Anthony. He keeps on thinking about those days when they used to play tag and sometimes they would do their homework together.

Before they left, he saved the phone number of Anthony's parents, so they could still talk to each other.

There's still a week left before he'll start going to school again. He hopes that his new classmates are nice and kind unlike some of his previous classmates who like to pick on him and his friend.

Failing to fall asleep, he stands up and walks towards the window of the room which is facing their backyard. He pulled the curtains aside then opens them. A sudden cold breeze gently blew around his face, he closed his eyes for a moment and enjoys the sweet cold sensation. After a few seconds, he opens his eyes again. He looks around out of curiosity. It's dark, and he could barely see the swaying leaves outside, thanks to the light that's coming from his room he could make out some outlines of the trees. He leaned forward and stares down, it's even darker there.

As he was staring down, something caught his eyes, but he's not sure what it is. He thinks he saw a shadow moved there. But it's dark? How could there be shadows? He asked himself.

The air suddenly grew colder, and he felt the hair on his neck standing, he immediately shut the window and makes sure it's locked then covered it with the curtain. He ran as fast as he could and turn the lights off, he's afraid that if there's a monster it might see him, but then he remembers what his friend always told him, that monsters could see in the dark because they're evil creatures. He then turns the lights on and jumped on his bed, covering himself with the blankets then he closed his eyes. He wants to go to his parent's room, but he's too shy. "I'm six years old now and I'm not scared," he whispered, trying to comfort himself. And after a few minutes which for him seems to be an hour, he finally fell asleep.

***

The next morning, after breakfast he called his friend using his father's phone.

"For real Ethan?!" His friend asked in disbelief through the phone. "A real monster?!"

"Well I'm not sure about that," Ethan said. He's sitting in the living room, a cartoon show is playing on the television.

"What does it look like?" Anthony asked. He sounds more amazed than curious.

"I'm not sure, It's dark," Ethan paused. "Maybe that's just the shadow of the monster or maybe that's just my imagination."

"Were you scared?" Anthony asked.

"Of course not!" Ethan said trying to sound as brave as he can, even though he almost wet himself last night. "I even turned the lights on before I go to sleep."

"Oh really?" Anthony asked in a high-pitched voice. Ethan could picture him grinning while holding the phone fidgeting with whatever his other hand was holding.

"Yeah," he said trying to sound as confident as he could.

"I think I told you that," Anthony said, sounding as if he's not sure. "Remember that? When I told you monster can see in the dark but are scared of light?"

"Well, yeah," He said, kind of losing his patience. "But that doesn't mean I'm scared of it. I could even take a photo with that monster if you want." Now he kind of regrets what he said, the monster might be able to hear him then suddenly appear when he takes photos.

"Oh really?" in that high-pitched voice again.

"Oh stop it!" Ethan said losing his patience. "Yeah, you got me, a bit I guess."

"A bit what?"

"Oh, I know you know what I mean!"

"That you're scared?"

"Yes, but only a little!"

"Did you pee in your pajamas?" Anthony mocked.

Ethan felt his cheeks burning. "No! Of course not."

"Almost?" Anthony asked in a mocking tone.

Ethan stays silent.

"Just kidding," Anthony said. "Anyway, you told me earlier that the house was nice. Is it nicer than your house here?"

"It's bigger, it has three rooms, the same as your house."

"Ours was old though."

"Ours was old too."

"Wait, I thought your father just bought it?"

"Well, yeah he bought it from someone who used to live here, and guess what?"

"What?" Anthony asked. He sounds interested. Ethan could picture him tipping his glasses.

"My father told me that this house burned down a few years ago and the previous owner repaired and sell it."

"Do you think that the monster is the one who caused that?" Anthony asked.

"No, my father said it was an accident."

"Do you believe him, how does he know?" Anthony asked not believing him.

"I don't know. The previous owner told him?"

There's a long pause before Anthony said something. Ethan thought the line was disconnected. "Uh, hello?"

"Do you like it there?" Anthony asked.

"I don't have friends here."

"It's fine, sooner you'll find friends at school."

"How about you?" Ethan asked, sounding concerned.

"Don't worry about me. Remember Celine?"

"The new student? Yeah, I remember her. What's with her?"

"Well, we're getting along pretty well. She likes playing snakes and ladders, oh, and she loves that show, the one you're watching. What was it? The one with three bears?"

"Oh, that? I forgot"

"Oh okay. Anyway, I need to go now, I need to finish our– I mean my homework at Mrs. Watson's class."

"She's a strict one," Ethan said in reply, he misses doing homeworks with Anthony. "I'll call you later then."

"Alright, bye!"

"Bye!"

He hung up and searches for his father. He found him inside his room, eyes fixed on his laptop. His father immediately turned his attention towards him.

"Thanks, Dad," he said. His father reaches for the phone with a smile.

"You're welcome," he simply replied.

"I'll be in my room," Ethan said. He doesn't have any friends here and their neighbor's kid seems to be a lot older than him. Since he got nothing to do he might as well stay in his room and relax. Maybe he would play with his toy when he feels like it, they already unpacked it yesterday when they arrived.

"Why? Are you not feeling well?" His father asked with a concerned look. He put his palm over his forehead.

"I'm okay, Dad," He said.

"Then why don't you play outside in the backyard? It's pretty spacious there."

That seems to be a good idea for Ethan.

"It's still early, so it's fine to play under the sun at this hour," his father added.

Ethan nodded, "that's a good idea!"

"Okay, Champ," his father gave him a high five. "You're mother's in the kitchen, I think she's baking something. You can go to her."

"I'm not hungry," Ethan replied. "I'll go play in the backyard." Ethan then rushes towards the door.

"Don't go outside the gate, okay?" His father called out.

"Okay dad!" he answered back.

Like his father said, the backyard was spacious, there's a few ornamental plants here and there and the lawn was mowed, but there are few bushes here and there. The fence was way taller than him, so he couldn't tell what's beyond that. "Probably road then houses on the other side of the road," he thought to himself.

He forgot his toys, so he went back inside the house but instead of toys he grabbed his soccer ball and went out to the backyard again.

He spends thirty minutes playing until he felt tired and sat on the ground. Playing alone is boring, it would be great if Anthony is here, he thought.

"I wish there's someone I could play with," he wishes out loud.

He then remembers the shadow last night. How long has he been playing? Is the monster watching him? Or is it asleep? He quickly stands up and walks slowly. If the monster was asleep he doesn't want to wake it up.

After a few steps, he heard someone hissed.

He looks over his shoulder but there's nothing there. His mind might be playing tricks with him. After two steps he heard another hissed again which left him momentarily paralyzed. His heart was pounding hard, cold sweat dripping from his forehead. When he turned around, he got startled when he saw someone standing in front of him. He lost his footing and stumbled backward. He scrambled to his feet, there's no place to run so, the only choice he has left is to face the 'monster'.

He then realized that instead of a terrifying creature with long and sharp fangs, huge hairy bodies, a bloody face, sharp claws, long tails, and dark horns, the one that's standing in front of him was a girl the same height as him, with long wavy brown hair, blue eyes, fine features, and white skin. She's wearing a green dress and there's a smile on her face. She's actually kind of cute, but she's probably in disguise and trying to catch him off guard.

"W-wha-what d-do you need monster?!" he asked not being able to hide his fear and trembling.

The girl opens her mouth in disbelief. "A Monster?! It's rude to call a girl a monster!"

"What are you doing here!?"

"You sound scared," the girl said. "Well, I thought you want someone to play with?"

"Not with a monster!"

"Hey! that's rude! I'm not a monster! Do I look like a monster to you?" The girl complained.

"You can't fool me! I know you're in disguise!" Ethan shot back.

"Do you really think I'm a monster?" The girl asked pouting.

Well, she completely doesn't look like a monster but still.

"Prove it!" Ethan challenge.

"Do you know that monsters are terrified of lights?" She asked crossing her arm.

That's what Anthony told him, but he can't let his guard down.

"If I'm a monster I could've attacked you earlier," The girl added.

Ethan didn't say anything, but he kept his eyes fixed towards her. The girl then sat down on the ground resting her chin over her knees then she slowly plucks the grass on the ground. "No one wants to play with me," she said almost in tears.

Ethan felt bad for her. He knows what it feels like having no friends. Currently, they're on the same boat. Now he regrets calling her a monster and she's right if she was a monster she could've attacked him earlier, but she didn't.

Ethan slowly approaches her, his legs are still quite trembling. He lowered himself in front of her.

"I'm sorry about that, I was just scared" Ethan apologized. "I'm sorry I called you a monster."

The girl kept her head bowed. Ethan sighed and stand up.

"You know what, I'm bored," he said. "Want to play with me? Since I don't have anyone to play with right now."

The girl's face lit up upon hearing his words. She then stands up and circles around Ethan then stops right in front of him.

"I'm Elsie. And you are?"

"Ethan."

"Nice to meet you, Ethan!" Elsie said with a smile. "So what are we going to play?"

"Let's play tag!" Elsie said before Ethan could even reply.

"I would love to, but I'm kind of tired now," Ethan rubbed his chin. "How about I get some of my toys and we'll play?"

"Sounds awesome!"

Ethan went back to his room and grabbed every toy he could carry, a spiderman and a batman toy, toy guns, some of his toy cars, and a teddy bear, then he goes back outside.

"Can I play with the teddy bear?" Elsie asked. There's a hint of excitement in her eyes and Ethan noticed it right away.

"Sure," he replied as he hands it to her.

"What's her name?" Elsie asked, gently hugging it.

"I don't have a name for it," Ethan said. "You could name it if you want." That's the least he could do to make up for calling her a monster.

"Really?" Elsie asked with a wide smile, obviously delighted by the offer. Ethan nodded.

Elsie rubs her chin with her hands. "Ella!"

"Ella sounds good!" Ethan said. "I'll call hi–her Ella from now on."

They played for an hour straight before calling it a day. Elsie mostly plays with Ella, the stuffed toy.

"Do you want to go inside?" Ethan asked. "I think my Mom baked some cookies."

For a second Ethan noticed something from the way Elsie looked after he asked her...sadness? Longing?

Elsie then smiles and shook her head. "No, I'm good, but thanks."

"Don't be shy, it's fine."

"No, I'm not shy."

"Then what?"

"My Mom is probably looking for me now, so I need to home." She said. Ethan is not sure if she's telling the truth.

"Okay then," Ethan said. "I'll get some juice for us."

"Wait!" He heard Elsie called out, but he pretends he didn't hear her.

He ran into the kitchen and found his mom washing the dishes.

"Oh hey sweetie!" His mom greeted him with a smile.

"Oh, hi mom!" Ethan greeted back. He grubbed two cups from the cupboard then filled them with orange juice from the fridge.

"Two cups?" Her mother asked.

"Yeah, my friend is waiting outside," Ethan said. "I think she's too shy to come inside."

Ethan didn't wait for a response and run straight to the backyard, however, he can't see Elsie anywhere.

"Elsie?" He called out, but there's no reply.

He tried looking around for a bit but when he couldn't see her he returns to the kitchen and places the cup of orange juice over the table.

"She already left," he said quite disappointed.

"Why?" Her mother asked.

"I don't know," Ethan sighed.

"What's her name?"

"Elsie."

"That's a cute name," his mother said smiling. "I'm glad you're already making friends. Don't worry she'll come back."

***

The next morning, while the three of them are eating breakfast his father asked him, "So, your mother told me you made a friend yesterday."

Ethan immediately swallows the food in his mouth. He saw his mother smile at the corner of his eyes. "Ah, yes dad, her name is Elsie."

"Oh really? It's good that you are making friends," his father said standing up. "Anyway, I'll be going now, I don't want to be late on my first day at work."

"Take care," His mother said singing the last syllable.

After eating their breakfast, Ethan went to the backyard thinking that Elsie would be back and he's right she's there sitting on the ground, her legs are crossed. "Hi, Ethan!" She greeted.

"I know you'll be back!" Ethan said, with a joyous smile as he dashes towards her.

"So what are we going to do today?" Elsie asked.

"We can play with my toys," Ethan said.

"We just did that yesterday," she sounds bored.

"How about hide and seek?" Ethan asked.

Elsie grinned, "are you sure you want to play that? Can you win against me?"

"I mean yeah, there are some bushes and I think those were a great hiding spot," Ethan said. "And yes, of course, I can win." Ethan then smiled as confidently as he could.

"Okay then, you hide and I'll seek," Elsie said.

"No, you hide and I'll seek."

Elsie shook her head, "You hide and I'll make sure I'll find you after fifteen seconds."

"Pretty confident aren't we?" Ethan said with a smirk. "It's on. Turn around and count to ten."

"Are you sure?" Elsie grinned. "Don't you want to make it twenty or more?"

"Ten is more than enough," Ethan said confidently, puffing his chest out.

"Okay, no hiding inside the house."

Elsie turned around and started counting. Ethan immediately looks for a good hiding spot and he makes sure he's not making his stomping too loud. There are a few options, he could hide behind the tall bushes, but he needs to crouch to make sure he won't be seen. There's also another bush but it's shorter where he needs to lay on the ground. For Ethan, the best hiding place is not the place that provides a lot of covers but the place that nobody would think someone is hiding.

He chooses the shorter bush thinking that Elsie wouldn't think he's hiding there. He quickly jumped over and lay on the ground. The counting of Elsie then stops. He heard Elsie said, "Where are you?" Singing the last syllable. For a few seconds, Ethan didn't hear anything. He keeps laying on the ground, face down.

How long has it been? Was it more than ten seconds already? Or was it more than fifteen? He's not sure, but it doesn't matter, he's confident that Elsie wouldn't be able to find him.

"Found you," he heard from his back.

He got startled and stumbled to his feet. He gawked at her.

"H-how?" Most people wouldn't choose this place to hide, it doesn't seem to give much coverage but it's enough. He didn't think she would think that he's hiding there. Was that a fluke? It's just luck, he thought.

"This is a pretty obvious hiding spot," Elsie said looking at the bushes. "It took me thirteen seconds."

"Oh?" Ethan said. "One more round?" He can't let her beat him at hide and seek, even Anthony wasn't able to best him at finding a good hiding spot.

"Sure, you hide again."

They played hide and seek until they got tired, though Elsie doesn't seem to be tired at all. In the end, Ethan didn't win a single round. Every time Ethan hides Elsie always finds him on or before twenty seconds. Ethan thinks about cheating but decided against it.

"I gotta admit you're good," Ethan said as they were sitting on the ground.

"Thank you," Elsie said with a smile. "I know."

"Let's play again tomorrow!"

"I'd love to."

***

Ethan spends the rest of the week playing with Elsie. He's having so much fun playing with her, he still misses playing with Anthony and he wishes that the three of them could all play together one day. He's starting to get accustomed to this place, now that he has a new friend. Making friends is hard for him because he finds it hard to approach someone, it's better if the other person would approach him instead.

Elsie is a fun person to play with, she could take a joke and she would sometimes counter. They've been playing hide and seek almost every day and it's starting to get boring, so he's thinking of a game that they could play. He wonders if Elsie knows how to play chess, Ethan could, though he never won against his dad, he's pretty confident playing against someone his age. He still doesn't know how old Elsie is. He's taller so he's probably older. Maybe he could ask her to play chess with him sometimes if she knew how to play and if she didn't, he would teach her how to.

It's a dark night and the air is chilly. The clocks above his bedside table say that it's eight-thirty in the evening, but he couldn't sleep. Tomorrow is his first day at his new school and he can't help but get anxious. He started praying, most of the time it helps him fall asleep he also prayed that his classmates would be kind and nice. After a few moments, he still couldn't sleep.

Out of nowhere, it feels like someone is calling him, he checked the clock again, eight-forty, he needed to sleep to be able to wake up early tomorrow. But there's a feeling that someone is calling him even if his eyes were closed. Suddenly, he heard someone knocking at the window it's impossible since his room is on the second floor of the house.

Without hesitation, he quickly jumped off the bed and opens the windows. The air from outside feels cold on his skin which makes him shiver, he looks below and he saw Elsie, barely, because it's dark. She's about to throw something but when she noticed Ethan she stops and waved at him.

What is she doing there late at night?

Ethan left the window open to provide a little illumination outside. He slowly sneaked out of his room, making sure he's not making any noise that might wake his parents up. He unlocked the door and go outside, then went straight to the backyard.

Ethan is wearing pajamas and it's freezing cold outside. It feels like an enormous teddy bear made out of ice is hugging him.

In the backyard, he saw Elsie. He was expecting to see her wearing a pajama too but instead, she's wearing the same dress she's wearing when they first met.

"What are you doing here?! Did your parents know that you're here? How did you enter our gate? Was it unlocked? Were you the one that's knocking on the window?"

"It doesn't matter," Elsie said. "Yes, but I'm not actually 'knocking' I'm just throwing small pebbles at your window. Am I bothering you?"

"I was about to go to sleep, tomorrow is my first day at school."

"Oh, are you nervous?"

Ethan sat on the ground and crossed his leg, it's covered with short grass so he's sure it won't leave a stain. "A little," he said. Elsie sat on the ground beside him.

"That explains why you're still up," Elsie said thoughtfully.

"How about you? Why are you still up? Do your parents know?"

"Don't worry about them," she paused. "You said you're nervous about tomorrow."

Ethan nodded feeling quite embarrassed. Elsie leaned back. "You're lucky," she said. "You can make a lot of friends you know."

"Do you have a lot of friends at school?" Ethan asked.

Elsie shook her head, "no, not really," she paused then glance at Ethan with a smile. "You're actually my only friend."

It's quite hard to believe that since she's a really fun person to play with. "Oh?"

"How about you? do you have a lot of friends?" she asked.

"I have one back at our old place, his name is Anthony, like you, he's a fun person to play with. It'd be great if the three of us could play together."

"yeah, that would be great," Elsie said in a soft voice.

Ethan was quite trembling but Elsie doesn't seem to be bothered by the cold breeze. Neither one of them said anything for a second. Ethan could hear the sounds of crickets from afar, it's somewhat relaxing.

"So, you're the new one here huh?" Elsie said finally breaking the silence.

"Yes. My father said that we're not the first one to live here."

"Yeah, I know," Elsie said with a playful smile. "Do you want to know why I know?"

Ethan nodded. He's not surprised that she knew, she probably lives nearby. She probably lives next door. Who knows?

Elsie leaned a little closer to him, then she whispers this to his ears: "because we used to live in this house."

Elsie then pulled back and lean back again with a playful smile.

"Whoa! Really?!" Ethan said in disbelief. "So that's why you can enter here anytime here."

Elsie giggled.

"Do you have a spare key or something?" Ethan asked.

Elsie seems to be thinking about it, "I guess you could say that." Ethan considered it for a moment. Maybe she still likes living here? Well, the only way to find out is to ask her.

"Do you miss living here?" Ethan asked, almost above a whisper.

Elsie seems to be caught off guard by the question. "Maybe," she said, sounding somewhat embarrassed.

"Don't worry you can come over anytime!" Ethan said. "You can even come inside."

"Thank you," Elsie said with an easy smile. "Your room actually used to be my room."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Elsie whispered. Though it's dark and the lights spilling from his room provides enough light to notice the dreamy expression on her eyes, there's something there too, something...he's not quite sure. Sadness? Longing? "Ethan, I used to sit near the window every night when I couldn't sleep and I would stare at the sky, watch the stars flicker at the dark sky above me. I always want to reach them. Do you think that's possible?" She said.

"The sky or the stars?"

"Stars."

"Well, my teacher said it's the same as the sun, but some of them are much bigger like...uhmmm...Betelgeuse!"

"Yeah, you're right," Elsie said, quite disappointed. "When I was way way way younger maybe four, I always thought it's a world full of interesting things."

Ethan giggled.

"I read somewhere that some of those stars are not existing anymore yet we could still see their light shining upon us," Elsie added.

"That just shows how far they really are!" Ethan said, feeling proud he already knew that fact. He's not into that kind of stuff but some topics about it sometimes caught his interest. Sure the sky looks amazing at night but he doesn't see it as amazing as others do. Maybe he's just really not into that kind of stuff. "Probably because she's a girl," He thought to himself.

"It's sad sometimes," Elsie said in a sad tone. "Knowing that it's not actually there and what you're seeing is only a portion of what's left."

She sounds like an adult. More mature than when they were playing. There's a moment of silence.

"My parents told me that some of those were our relatives!" Ethan said then he points towards one of the brightest stars. "That's my grandfather!"

Elsie laughs under her breath, Ethan didn't get what's funny about that.

"Grandpa loves telling us stories about his old days and whenever my cousins visit, we often circle around his rocking chair and ask him to tell us about his story when he's young. He's the kindest person ever!"

"You're lucky, my grandfather died a few months before I was born so I never got the chance to talk to him."

"Maybe he's above the clouds too! With my grandpa!"

"Playing tennis?"

"No! My grandpa is too old to play tennis. He needed an Iron man suit for that!" They both laugh in unison. Elsie's laugh was feminine but still contagious. Ethan's enjoying this.

"That's Orion," Elsie said pointing at the sky. "And that's the little dipper."

"You love stars huh?" Ethan said.

"Yeah, they're pretty," she paused. "I used to have a dog. Guess her name."

Probably about the stars, "hmm Starly? Star? Night star?"

"That's dumb," Elsie giggled. "Her name is Smipper. Cute huh?"

"That's a weird name."

"It's a german shepherd my father used to train. She has no right front leg."

"What happened?"

Elsie shrugged, "I don't know, she's already missing a front leg when Dad brought her home, but I'm glad he did. She became my best friend. I would love to have another dog like her," she said, with the same dreamy expression like before. "Do you have any pets?"

"No. My father said he'd let me have one when I'm old enough to take care of it."

Ethan yawned. He shivers. "Hey, do you want to go inside, it's freezing out here. Don't be shy."

"Oh, I didn't notice."

Didn't notice? It almost felt like they're inside a freezer!

Elsie hesitated for a second but then agrees. Ethan opened the door quietly. When they enter Elsie looks around here and there. It seems like his parents are both asleep it's better not to wake them up. Elsie followed him to his room and they sat on his bed. They talk for a few minutes about nothing and everything. Mostly their hobbies. Elsie loves reading Ethan finds out.

And at exactly ten o'clock Elsie said he needed to go home and Ethan agreed. He needed to sleep as well.

"Are you sure you can go home alone?" Ethan asked. The door halfway closed.

"Yeah, don't worry I'll make sure to lock the gate," Elsie assured him. Ethan nods and he watches her as she walks away and gradually disappears. He doesn't hear the rattling of the gates, she's small so she probably opens it only a little. He then returns to his room and lay on his bed.

The conversation with Elsie helped him. He doesn't feel any nervousness at all if there's anything he's feeling, it's tiredness.

He pray before sleeping like he always did. He thanked God for giving him friends like Anthony and Elsie.

And after a few seconds, he fell deep into slumber.

***

It went well, Ethan thought. It's three-thirty in the afternoon and the class just ended. His teacher, Mrs. Andrews is nice and kind, his classmates seemed to be nice too. The school is bigger than his previous one and it makes him feel nervous.

He's sitting on one of the benches in front of his school. He saw his father walking towards him with a smile on his face. He sighs in relief then he ran towards his father. His father lowered himself with an open arms and when Ethan reached him his father hugged him.

"So, how's your day champ?" His father asked.

"It went great," Ethan said with a smile.

"That's great. Let's go," his father said as he motioned towards the car.

When they got home, his mother greeted him with a hug. His mother baked some cookies and they all ate together while Ethan talks about what's his first day at school was like. He can't wait to tell Elsie about it.

At exactly eight o'clock in the evening, they already finished eating their dinner and Ethan used his father's phone to call Anthony. He told him everything about his new school.

Ethan was lying on his bed when he heard a click at the window. He immediately stands up and opens it, part of him knows that's it's Elsie and he was right. She's standing at the same spot where she stood last night with a wide smile on her face. Ethan cupped his mouth and mouthed the word "wait" and Elsie nodded earnestly.

Ethan slowly walks out of his room, but this time he brought a jacket with him. When he walked past his parent's room he heard them talking, but Ethan couldn't make out any words it's all mumbled. He doesn't care and began walking again. Slowly. When he was able to exit the front door he ran directly to the backyard but Elsie's not there.

"Elsie?" He whispered loudly. There's no response. He tried again. Still nothing.

"Boo!"

Startled, he turned around and saw Elsie standing beside him with a huge grin. "Got you!" She said playfully with a grin. Ethan put on his jacket feeling the cold night breeze. Elsie doesn't seem to be bothered she's still wearing a dress. Elsie circled around him squinting as if studying his jacket.

"What?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Never seen something like this before? It's called a jacket." He said in a mocking tone.

"I know that," she said with a chuckle.

"Am I that cool?"

"No, you're not even close. A jacket with a Batman logo? Really?"

"Batman is cool."

Ethan sat on the ground and crossed his legs, Elsie did the same. His pajamas are made of thin cotton and because of that, he could feel the cold grass beneath him.

"How's school?" Elsie asked.

"It's not that bad," he replied. Elsie seems to be waiting if he would add something and he teased her by staying quiet.

"Tell me about it," Elsie said eagerly.

Ethan giggled, "I figured you'd say that. Well...it's better than I thought."

"Good for you!"

"My teacher, Mrs. Andrews is nice, classmates are nice. I don't know if they're going to stay like that though."

"What does your school look like?"

"Well, it's bigger than my previous one. It looks the same as most school does, it's just bigger, I think. How about you? What does your school look like?"

"I'm homeschooled," Elsie replied.

"That must be tough."

Neither of them said anything for a moment.

"Are you going to get busy a lot of times now?" Elsie asked. "You know, now that you started going to school."

"Maybe a little, but I'll make sure to finish my homework as fast as I could so we can play."

"Promise?" Elsie asked with a pleading look.

"I promise."

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Elsie asked.

"I want to be a doctor," Ethan said. "How about you?"

"Model, just like those girls on the television."

She's cute, there's no doubt about it and it's obvious that she would grow up as a beautiful girl. She could be a model, Ethan thought. He wanted to tell her that but he somewhat feels a little embarrassed.

"Can we play tomorrow after school?" She asked.

"Yeah, of course."

"Okay, you should sleep now, it's getting late and you have to go to school tomorrow."

With that, they said goodbye to each other.

***

Finally, it's Friday. It's been a week since he started going to school again. He's now a little comfortable at his school. There's this boy named Robert, he sits right beside him in class and they are getting along pretty well. He still calls Anthony, but sometimes Anthony is too busy doing his homework to talk to him. He understands, he knows that his teacher gives him a lot of homework.

Every day after school, he and Elsie play in the backyard. Elsie seems to like Ella the teddy bear. They often play tag and hide and seek, Elsie is pretty good at both. Tomorrow they have a lot of time to play and he's excited about it, no homework, no teachers, no school, just fun!

Ethan was sitting in the living room watching a kid's show when suddenly a power outage happens. Feeling a bit tired Ethan decided to go to bed.

***

It was nine in the morning when Ethan wakes up. He felt so relax today since it's Saturday and he doesn't need to go to school, he has all the day for himself.

When he went downstairs, he saw a middle-aged man talking with both his parents. He's probably a few years older than his father, though he seems to have more wrinkles, and there seemed to be a burned marks on his hands.

"Oh, he's awake," his father said upon noticing him. "This is my son, Ethan. Ethan this is Mr. Armando."

"Hi, Mr. Armando!" Ethan greeted waving his hands and smile. "I'm Ethan, it's nice meeting you sir."

Mr. Armando smiles and he seems to be glad about Ethan. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Well, I'm glad you stop by," his father said.

"I just want to take a look at this house, because this might be the last time," Mr. Armando said while looking around with a faint smile.

Ethan looks at his father as if asking what does he mean?

"Of course you can sir."

"Do you mind if I take a look at one of the rooms upstairs?" Mr. Armando asked.

His father seemed to think about it for a few seconds but then said yes, Mr. Armando smiles and seems to be really thankful.

They all followed Mr. Armando upstairs, towards Ethan's room. My room? Ethan asked himself. He's thankful he made sure that his bed was not messy when he exits this morning.

Mr. Armando took a deep breath then opens the door. Ethan doesn't know what Mr. Armando was expecting, but he seemed almost teary for a second after opening the door. Everything went silent then Mr. Armando flashes a faint smile as if reminiscing about something, as if good memories just came flooding.

"What's with my room?" Ethan asked out of curiosity.

He smiled at him then said: "oh, so this is your room?"

Ethan nods.

"Well, you see...this room used to be my daughter's room," he said with a smile.

Ethan gawks, surprised about what Mr. Armando said. Does it mean he used to live here? Is he Elsie's father?

"Really!?" Ethan asked, there's a hint of excitement in his voice. "Are you Elsie's father?"

The smile on Mr. Armando's face then vanished and was replaced by pure confusion, he doesn't say anything for a moment and he seems to be taking the time to process what Ethan asked him.

"Y-yes," he said, slightly bobbing his head. "I am his father. You know my daughter?"

"Yes! We're friends!" Ethan replied.

Mr. Armando looks straight at Ethan's eyes, scrutinizing him and making sure he's telling the truth.

"I met her the day after we moved here," Ethan added. "And after that, we play almost every day."

"A day before you moved here!?" Mr. Armando exclaimed.

"I-is there something wrong?" His father asked. Mr. Armando just stared at him for a second. There's a complete moment of silence and Ethan felt quite uneasy. Did he say something wrong? Why does it seem like Mr. Armando doesn't believe him?

Mr. Armando slowly pulled his wallet out of his left pocket, opens it, then turned it towards Ethan. There's a picture there, and Ethan quickly recognized who's in the picture, it's Elsie, his friend, wearing a purple dress holding a sunflower in her hands while smiling broadly. Ethan is not sure but the background of the photo looks like their backyard.

"That's her!" Ethan said.

"How did you know her?" He asked baffled.

"I met her a day after we moved here," Ethan explained again.

Mr. Armando bends on his knee, put a hand over Ethan's shoulder, and stares straight at Ethan's eyes. Mr. Armando's eyes are grey and there's a hint of curiosity and longing in both of them.

"What's wrong?" Ethan asked, completely confused about how Mr. Armando is acting. It seems like both of his parents are confused too.

Mr. Armando took a deep breath and closed his eye for a few seconds before proceeding.

"M-my daughter, Elsie," he paused. He struggles to speak. "Sh-she...sh-" he stuttered as he struggled to find the right word. He took another deep breath. "My daughter Elsie, she died two years ago."

Ethan's throat tightens upon hearing the words. A sudden coldness was wrapped around him and made him shiver on the inside. Cold, so cold. For a moment his legs become wobbly though somehow he was able to remain standing. He stands there baffled. He tried opening his mouth but not a single word came out not even a sound or a grunt. She can't be dead, no way! He thought.

"N-no!" He said. His throat hurts. "We were just playing a couple of days ago!"

Mr. Armando's hand remains on his other shoulder.

"I saw her!" Ethan added, struggling as his throat began to tighten more. That can't be real! He thought. What does he mean by she's dead? And she died two years ago? Was it the same with his grandfather? Is she not coming back like his grandpa? Is she above the clouds too? Is she one of the stars in the skies too? Will they ever see each other again? When? As his tears began to fall he found himself wrapped in his mother's arms.

The memories came flooding in Ethan's head, from the first time he and Elsie met and he called her a monster, all the times they play hide and seek or tag, the night when he and Elsie talks, and of course their last talk. He still doesn't believe Mr. Armando, at least he doesn't want to, but there's something inside him that thinks Mr. Armando is saying the truth.

"It's okay sweetie, it's okay," his mother said comforting him.

All of his memories about Elsie seems so distant now.

***

Ethan was lifeless for the rest of the day, his parents have been comforting him nonstop since Mr. Armando left. He doesn't have the appetite to eat for lunch and dinner. He doesn't feel hungry.

"Do you want to sleep in our room?" His mother asked. His father standing near the door with a worried expression. Ethan muster a nod.

"Are you sure?" His mother asked. Ethan nods again and his mother kissed him on his forehead, his father did the same before leaving his room. He immediately stands up and rushes towards the windows. He opens it and the cold air rushed in and he shivered. He rubbed his eyes, it's still puffy. He stares down squinting into the shadows hoping that Elsie is there, standing...smiling. He couldn't see her, he took a quick glance towards the clock and it says it's eight-forty five pm, maybe she'll be there a little later. He stood near the window for about twenty minutes then sat on his bed for a little then went back near the window again, he looks up and saw a few stars above. He's sure the girl on the picture looks exactly the same as Elsie, and Mr. Armando says he used to live here and he's Elsie's father, but he still doesn't believe that she's dead there's no way.

After a few more hours, she's still not there, he closed the window but he leaves it partially open, hoping that Elsie would notice it if she ever comes by. He lay on his bed and closed his eyes. Like he always does he started praying, this time, he prayed that he could see Elsie again. After a few minutes, he immediately fell asleep.

***

"Where am I?" Ethan asked himself as he looks around. He's standing over a grassy prairie, the colors are bright and vibrant that it almost hurts his eyes. The place was filled with sunflowers, the colors of the petals are the brightest yellow he had ever seen, the grasses are short, and he could see a tall rocky mountain from afar, snows are forming at the top of it, above him was the bluest sky he had ever seen in his entire life, birds are gliding over his head, the breeze was chilly and the warm sunlight is caressing his cheeks, it felt very relaxing. He tried running across the field and after a long time of running he never gets tired. This is awesome! He thought. He bends his knee as low as he could and jumped up with all that he has, he then sprung upward, too high that he could even touch the birds. For a moment he thought he saw one of the birds blink at him, he gawked with amazement, he then began falling he closed his eyes and braced for impact but after a few seconds, he doesn't feel anything. He opens his eyes and found himself standing over the grassy ground and not falling. "This is amazing!" He said in astonishment, pumping his fist into the air. Elsie would love this place, he thought. Suddenly a white dove circled around his head and flew away, it stops for a few seconds, glance at Ethan, then fly away again, as if saying "follow me." Ethan runs as fast as he could to follow the dove. From afar he saw a small human figure. He squints and noticed that it's a girl she's wearing a green dress and the gentle wind blew his hair as it gently sways. The girl has a smile on her face and Ethan quickly recognized who it was as fast as the speed of light.

"Elsie!" He shouted out of pure joy as he runs closer to her. She's alive he knew it! As he drew nearer towards her he saw Elsie's smile and it was probably the sweetest smile he had ever seen. Ethan hugged her as soon as he reached her, he couldn't tell if Elsie was shocked or not but she gave him a hug as well. When he pulled back he noticed his eyes are watery, he thought he couldn't cry anymore and all his tears dried out since he's been crying since this morning. But this time he's sure it's because of pure joy and happiness, because of the joy of seeing Elsie, his friend.

"I'm so happy to see you!" Ethan said, wiping the tears from his eyes with the back of his hands.

"I could tell," Elsie teased. "Your eyes are all watery."

"Oh never mind that," Ethan said. "This place is amazing isn't it?"

Elsie smiled, that sweet smile again, "yes it is," she said. "Oh and by the way I'm happy to see you too."

"Let's play!" Ethan said. Still wiping the tears from his eyes. He couldn't convey his happiness into words. His heart is beating fast as if it wants to explode out of his chest.

"Why are you crying?" Elsie asked though she sounds as if she already knows the answer.

"It's nothing, I got something in my eye."

"That's a lie."

Ethan hesitated. Is it okay to tell her that her father thought she's dead? It might hurt her feelings. Ethan remained silent.

"My father visits ou- your house right?" Elsie asked.

Ethan nodded, "how'd you know?"

"I was there," she said calmly.

"No, you're not! I didn't see you and your father said that you're d–," he paused.

"Well, I was there the whole time you just can't see me."

"Don't lie!" Ethan protested.

"Well, you can't just always see ghosts."

As the moment of realization struck Ethan, he found himself unable to do anything but stare at his friend. Once again his throat began to tighten, his body trembles as his body began to feel cold. It can't be real, she's standing right in front of him, she can't be dead! Is this all a dream?

"No," Ethan uttered. "No, you're not!" He bowed down, he found himself unable to stop the tears from falling. "You're here! In front of me! Talking, breathing!"

"This is a dream Ethan," she said. "I just want to say goodbye."

There's a long pause, Ethan rubbed his eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling but unable to do so.

"I'm sorry Ethan, I didn't mean to make you sad," Elsie said, in a soft calm voice, with a hint of longing. "If given the chance I would still love to play with you, but the light...it asked me to go in it."

"Then just don't go!" He cried. "Just stay here! Don't go anywhere!"

"I would love that, but you see, I can't."

"Why!?"

"Because I need to Ethan,"

"Do you hate playing with me?" Ethan asked.

"No! Of course not! Those were the most fun I've ever had for a long time! And like I said If I could, then I would."

There's a moment of silence before Elsie continues

"I've never had a friend before I met you, so thank you for everything. I wish I could stay with my family and just play with you, but I can't. If I could, I would do that a hundred percent."

When Ethan finally accepts that's there's nothing he could do, he asked: "Am I not going to see you again?"

Elsie smiled, "you'll not be able to see me for a long time, but believe me we'll see each other again, and like I said I'll be able to watch from there."

"For how long?"

"I don't know," Elsie paused. "How about this, every night at nine, look up at the stars in the sky, I'll be there looking down at you."

The thought of not seeing Elsie ever again breaks his heart. Before Elsie leaves he needed to thank him for everything.

For being a good friend.

"T-thank you for everything Elsie," Ethan said, sobbing. "I'll never forget all the times we play together and I'll miss those days. I promise. I'll never forget you and I'll never forget your name."

"Thanks, Ethan," she smiled. "Now, can I asked you for a favor?"

"Take good care of Ella."

"My teddy bear? Uh, No, I mean your teddy bear"

"Yes," she giggled. "And be friendly to everyone, okay?"

"I promise to take good care of Ella and I'll be friendly to every person I met and I'll always look up at the night sky and know you're there!" Ethan cried.

"Thanks, Ethan," Elsie said. Her voice was soft that makes Ethan's heart breaks thinking he'll never hear that voice again, her laughs and giggles. "I'm really sorry I need to leave but don't worry you're still my very best friend. Sooner you'll have friends, a lot of friends and they'll make you happy, promise me you'll enjoy your life to the fullest okay?"

"I promise! If I got the chance I'll visit you too!" Those words were hard to say that his throat hurt after saying those.

"H-how?" Elsie knitted his brows. "You ca–, oh I get it, do you mean my grave?"

Ethan nods sobbing. "I'll bring flowers too, sunflowers! Because I know you love them! I saw your photo in your dad's wallet."

"D-did you try to steal his wallet?!"

"No! Of course not he showed it to me!"

Elsie giggled. "I'm just kidding, I know that, I'm there remember? Well, thank you, Ethan, I appreciate it."

"I'll never forget you too, Ethan," Elsie smiled. "But now I got to go, I wish I could stay a little longer, but I think this is it, this is goodbye."

Ethan suddenly jumped at her and hugged her tightly, afraid that she might suddenly disappear, Elsie hugged her back, it's gentle. Her hug feels so comforting. He doesn't want to let go. He's cherishing the moment and he's making sure he's not going to forget the feeling of her warm embrace. "Thank you, Elsie, thank you!" That was all Ethan could say.

"No, thank you, Ethan," she said. "With you, I was able to know what it feels like to have a friend, even if our time together was short, it was one of the happiest moments that I would never ever forget. Once again, Thank you very much, Ethan, you don't know how thankful I am that I was able to be your friend. Thank you for everything."

When they pulled back, Elsie smiled at him, Ethan rubbed his eyes and willed himself to smile back even if he's smothered with tears, he doesn't want his friend to leave while he's crying. He stares into her memorizing her smile and every curve in her face and promises to himself that he would never forget those.

"One more thing," Elsie said. "Do you still think I'm a monster?"

Ethan was shocked by the question and he also felt a pang of guilt and embarrassment.

"No," he said. "You're not a monster."

Elsie smiled.

"Goodbye, Ethan," she said softly as she turns away.

-end-