“Could that work?” Fiona turned to Connor, looking hopeful.
I noted how the team seemed stunned. “It’s a good idea, and not one we’d have considered. Sunny certainly thought out of the box,” Connor replied.
“There’s a lot around here that the ghosts can do that can be explained away easily. They’ll have to stay out of the cabins, but this place is huge. They might even have some ideas of their own,” I added. “Why don’t you ask them?”
I placed the Ovilus on the table. “Ernest, are you here?”
“Yes.”
“Did you hear my suggestions?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“What do you think?”
“Doable. Fun. Keep children safe. Help sick children.”The words spat from the Ovilus.
“Could you make plans with us?” Fiona breathed, leaning forward.
“Definitely. Expand ideas.”
“Wow,” Jack muttered, sitting back and staring at the Ovilus.
“Will you stop the scary things that might frighten people?” Simon demanded.
“Yes, give us work.”
“We can do that, right?” Fiona turned to Simon, hope blazing across her face.
“For sure. What about a museum? Would you like that?” Simon grasped Fiona’s hand.
“Yes, give names. Research. Pictures. Items. Remember us. Remember children. We’ll teach you.”
“They can tell you the names and stories of those who originally lived there!” Callie exclaimed.
“Margaret and Ernest can be your main contacts. If you leave this running, people can reach you at any time. Just lock it in your office so no nosy parkers can interfere. Freddie can also hook it up to a laptop so you’ll have three ways of ensuring their messages get through to you,” I said.
“Wow, you’ve found a way to resolve this,” Callie replied, staring at me in awe. I puffed up at her praise.
“Do you believe it will work?” I asked her.
“Yes. We never picked up anything malicious; it was about attention. What a wonderful idea, Sunny.” Callie beamed.
“Tomorrow, I’ve also asked Simon and Fiona if they wish to trial their Christmas Day on us as well,” I said.
Several jaws dropped in surprise, including Mom’s.
“Really?” Jack asked.
For a brief moment, I wanted to punch him in the mouth, but I refrained. He’d never get a chance with Callie because I’d break my back for her. A day wouldn’t go by without her knowing the depth of my love for her and Bean.
“Yeah, I also thought that tonight we could make plans with the ghosts. Let them know how much they can help and see what ideas they have,” I concluded.
“You did all that?” Callie whispered.
“I love you, babe, I’ll never stop. I’ve been a miserable asshole, and I can’t tell you the reason. Honestly, I don’t know why. But that idiot is gone, and I’m back. And I’ve also booked a room here for the next five Christmases to bring Bean,” I said, smiling.
Callie let out a shriek and wrapped her arms around me as she kissed me. Her inner light, which had been dimmed, fully ignited, and my beautiful wife was back. Callie would never suffer anything like this again, certainly not because I was an asshole.
