Deadweight & Deadbeat
(Coexistence is just a fancy word for freeloading.)
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A Morning Revelation
“I’m beginning to suspect you’re not actually dead,” Aaron says, arms crossed as he watches me from across the kitchen. “You’re just freeloading off me.”
I pause mid-bite, a forkful of pancakes hovering near my mouth. Fluffy, buttery, maple-drenched perfection. If I weren’t already dead, I’d say this is worth living for.
I swallow, set my fork down, and dramatically place a hand over my chest. “Well, news flash, Bruce Wayne, you killed me. So deal with it.”
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Aaron narrows his eyes. “And yet, I don’t know another ghost who eats as much as you do. Heck, I don’t know a ghost who eats at all.”
I shrug, popping another bite into my mouth. “What can I say? I’m a different breed.”
Then it hits me.
Wait.
Hold up.
I point my fork at him. “Did you just say other ghosts?” My eyes narrow. “Wait—Bruce Wayne, are you seeing other ghosts?”
Aaron blinks.
I gasp, clutching my chest. “Are you—are you cheating on me?”
Aaron groans, rubbing his temples. “It is way too early for this.”
I waggle my eyebrows. “Ghost polygamy is a serious issue, Aaron. I refuse to be just another spirit in your collection.”
“Collection?” He looks like he’s regretting every life choice that led to this conversation.
“Yeah.” I lean forward, all conspiratorial. “Is that what’s in your creepy lab? Jars of ghost girlfriends?”
Aaron stares at me, long and hard. Then he exhales sharply, shaking his head. “I’m not doing this.”
And just like that, he walks out.
But not before I call after him, “YOU BETTER NOT BE SPIRITUAL TWO-TIMING ME, AARON.”
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A Moment of Reflection (Sort Of)
I go back to my pancakes, humming to myself.
Aaron can pretend all he wants, but I saw the flicker of hesitation in his eyes.
He does know other ghosts.
And I plan on finding out exactly how.
After all
…
I may be dead, but I’m still a damn good investigator.
