Lisa couldn't explain why, but the next day, she found herself walking back to the graveyard. It was like her feet knew the way, carrying her past the familiar landmarks of town without needing her guidance. She passed the creaking old iron gate, ignoring the way it groaned as if it wanted to keep her out. With every step, a strange mixture of excitement and dread bubbled up inside her.
The grave was tucked in the farthest corner of the cemetery, shaded by an ancient oak that seemed to twist and turn with secrets of its own. She stopped in front of it, her gaze fixed on the ground as if hoping for some sign, some evidence that he was truly there—waiting.
"Liam," she murmured, the name slipping out softly.
In that moment, she felt a connection surge through her, strange and unexplainable, like invisible threads tugging at her heart. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was somewhere nearby, watching her. A shiver ran down her spine, but she didn't pull away. Instead, her curiosity deepened.
What would it be like if he were alive again? She pictured his face, his dark hair and pained eyes. What stories would he tell if he could stand here beside her, his voice real and not just a whisper in her dreams?
Stop it, Lisa, she scolded herself, forcing her gaze back to the quiet grave. But her mind wouldn't obey, spiraling into thoughts of bringing him back, of seeing him smile, even laugh—a living, breathing person instead of a ghostly memory. Her heart raced as she imagined a life where they weren't divided by death.
As her visits became more frequent, her fascination grew. She started slipping out late at night, sneaking through the cemetery like a strange ritual. Emily noticed the change in her, but Lisa brushed it off, not wanting to admit her newfound fixation on someone who wasn't even alive.
One night, Emily finally confronted her. Lisa, what's going on with you? You're acting like… like you're in a trance or something.
Lisa laughed, though her voice shook a bit. It's nothing. Just... I guess I'm curious. About him. About why he's stuck here.
Emily crossed her arms, looking skeptical. Curious? You're basically a ghost-stalker now. Do you even realize how creepy that sounds?
Lisa rolled her eyes but felt a pang of guilt. I just want to know his story, that's all. Besides… Her voice trailed off, but she couldn't stop herself from adding, "It feels like he's the only one who really understands me.
Emily's eyes softened, but she still looked wary. Lisa, I get it. Really, I do. But this… it's weird. And maybe dangerous. What if he's not exactly… friendly?
Lisa shrugged, feigning confidence. I don't think he'd hurt me. He's just… lost. Lonely.
Emily sighed, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press further. Just… promise you'll be careful, okay?
Lisa nodded, though she had no intention of staying away. She knew it sounded strange—even to herself—but each visit only intensified her desire to know more. And as she lay in bed that night, drifting off, the thoughts crept back in. What if she could help him? What if he could come back to life, even for a moment?
That night, her dreams took a darker turn. She was back in the graveyard, the air thick with mist, her heart pounding as she approached Liam's grave. But this time, there was something else—a whisper in the air, faint but chilling.
Lisa…bHis voice was softer, more distant than before, as if fading away.
Liam? she called, feeling a sudden wave of desperation. She had to find him, had to see him. She hurried forward, her footsteps echoing through the empty cemetery.
But as she neared his grave, the ground beneath her feet seemed to tremble, and a shadowy figure emerged, obscuring her view. She stopped, fear prickling along her spine as the figure loomed closer, taking on a familiar shape—Liam, but different. His eyes were hollow, his skin ghostly pale, and his expression twisted with sorrow and longing.
Why are you doing this? he asked, his voice filled with a haunting sadness that made her chest ache.
I… I wanted to help you, she whispered, her own voice trembling.
His face softened, but the sorrow remained. Some things can't be changed, Lisa. Life… and death… they have rules.
She opened her mouth to argue, but the words wouldn't come. Before she could make sense of what was happening, the ground began to crumble beneath her feet. She stumbled back, panic surging through her as she felt herself falling—falling into darkness, with only the echo of his voice ringing in her ears.
Lisa jolted awake, her heart hammering. She could still feel the weight of his gaze, the sadness in his voice lingering like a chill in the room. She looked around, half-expecting to see him standing there, but the room was empty, silent.
This is getting out of control, she thought, clutching her blanket. But even as fear gnawed at her, she couldn't deny the pull that had taken root inside her, drawing her back to him again and again.
Her days grew restless, her thoughts consumed by the mystery of Liam and the idea of somehow bridging the gap between them. She spent hours online, diving into old legends and ghost stories, looking for anything that hinted at ways to bring someone back. Most of it was ridiculous, but a small part of her couldn't let go of the hope that maybe—just maybe—there was a way.
But each day, the darkness in her dreams grew deeper, the shadows surrounding Liam more menacing. And despite Emily's warnings, despite the dread in her own chest, Lisa couldn't resist. She knew she would return to the graveyard, that she had to uncover the truth, even if it meant facing whatever lay in the darkness.