The hum of the television finally faded, leaving Lisa and Liam in silence. The flickering lights settled, but the room remained thick with tension, and Lisa could feel it pressing on her chest. She hadn't just changed Liam's life; she'd brought something darker and more dangerous into both of their worlds.
Liam, she whispered, her voice barely audible. We're going to figure this out, okay?
He didn't answer. His gaze was fixed on his hands again, as if he could feel the same static energy pulsing through his veins.
As much as she wanted to stay and reassure him, Lisa knew there was someone else who needed to know the truth. Her best friend, Emily. Lisa had spent months lying to Emily about who Liam really was, and with things getting stranger and more intense, she couldn't keep hiding it. Emily had always been there for her, even when she couldn't understand Lisa's fascination with death and the supernatural. And now, Lisa needed that support more than ever.
Liam, she said softly, breaking the silence. I need to tell Emily the truth.
He looked up, surprise flashing in his eyes. Emily? The same Emily who thinks I'm your long-lost cousin?
Lisa nodded. She deserves to know. I've dragged her into this mess, and… it's only going to get worse if I keep hiding things.
He was silent for a moment, then gave a slow nod. Just… make sure she understands what she's getting into.
I will, she promised.
Lisa met Emily at their usual spot, a cozy corner in a coffee shop where they'd spent countless afternoons chatting and laughing. But today, Lisa's heart raced as she prepared to unravel the secrets she'd kept hidden. Emily arrived a few minutes later, her warm smile fading as she took in Lisa's anxious expression.
What's going on? Emily asked, concern lacing her tone as she slid into the seat across from Lisa.
Lisa took a deep breath, steadying herself. Emily, there's something I need to tell you about Liam. About who he really is.
Emily tilted her head, a confused smile playing on her lips. What do you mean? I thought he was your cousin from… the graveyard?
Lisa swallowed hard, then glanced around to make sure no one was listening. She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. Liam isn't my cousin. He's… he's the guy we used to visit at the cemetery. The one whose we've been stalking his grave .
For a moment, Emily didn't respond, just stared at Lisa with wide eyes. Then, she let out a small laugh. Okay, funny joke. You had me going there for a second.
Lisa's expression remained serious, and slowly, Emily's laughter faded. You're not… you're not kidding, are you?
No, Lisa said, her voice trembling. I… I found a way to bring him back. I thought it would just be him, but… I think something else came with him.
Emily's eyes narrowed, and she leaned back, folding her arms. Lisa, do you hear yourself right now? This sounds… I mean, how can you expect me to believe that?
Lisa reached across the table, grabbing Emily's hands. Emily, I know it sounds insane. I know it does. But weird things have been happening. You've noticed the lights flickering around me and my phone glitching, haven't you?
Emily's frown deepened, but she nodded slowly. I thought you were just having tech problems…
It's not just tech problems, Lisa insisted, her voice urgent. Every time Liam's around, things malfunction. Lights, TVs, even clocks—it's like he's carrying this energy with him. And it's not just that. Ever since he came back, I've felt… like something's watching us.
Emily pulled her hands back, staring at Lisa with a mix of shock and disbelief. So… you're telling me that Liam is some kind of… ghost? Or zombie?
Lisa winced. Not exactly. He's… he's still Liam. But he's changed. I think bringing him back did something to him—and I think it did something to me too.
Emily shook her head, her face pale. Lisa, I've stood by you through some weird stuff, but this… this is on another level.
I know, Lisa whispered, guilt flooding her as she saw the doubt and fear in Emily's eyes. "I'm sorry I kept this from you. I just didn't know how to explain it without sounding like a complete lunatic.
Emily's expression softened, and she took a deep breath. Look, Lisa, I don't fully understand what's happening. But if you're telling me that this is real—that this guy you brought back is actually… well, back—then I'm here for you. Just… please don't keep any more secrets, okay?
Lisa felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over her, and she nodded, squeezing Emily's hands. I won't. I promise.
Emily hesitated, then leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. Does he… does he remember being dead?
Lisa shivered. I don't know. He hasn't talked about it, and I haven't had the nerve to ask.
The two of them sat in silence, the weight of the revelation settling between them. Finally, Emily spoke up again, her voice tinged with fear. What if… whatever came back with him isn't done yet?
The question hung in the air, and Lisa felt a chill run down her spine. She didn't have an answer. All she knew was that something dark had followed Liam back from the other side—and now, it was closing in.