Whispering footpads in rhythmic dance upon the stairs, through the narrow hall and into the room. The buzz of an electric toothbrush, like power lines overhead; the snapping of floss, the swishing and spit. Vanish among the shadows, you apparition, be buried within your sacred ground! But you reappear under cold marital covers, skin warm, almost corporeal. Your breath is slow, beautiful - your clockwork heart beats just like the living. The fool mistakes you for his hopes and dreams, but you vanish once more when the light comes and reappear only within his carved heart the next day.

Oh! how you haunt this place, your flickering eyes lit by Hades’ flame. The faint smell of your hair, a shock of cool breeze, you depart once more. Maddening presence, must you fill me with dread? Out there among the living, I suffer your bile memory, but when I close the lights and lock the door, you’re with me again.

I cannot cross the salt line to meet you, dear. You cannot cross the veil. Although we may haunt each other now, an end must come. For I have written upon the pages of your heart, and you have dipped your quill within my blood. The old witch drew the Devil, her daughter drew the Sun: our souls tossed out among the tea leaves and bones. Call my name when I see you, and I will close my eyes to remember.