Ghostly Tale

Silence

I am a ghost, a mere soul drifting in-between the dead and alive. A vague memory existent in the hearts and minds of many; however I never obtained the chance, never opened my eyes wide enough to discern how significant my presence once was...

An unusual emptiness divulged as doleful faces began to appear at the door. "Please...can you all, take a seat" a weary voice maffled, as individuals gradually began to amble into the sombre Science room. I stood silently, contemplating the countless mournful faces, with an intense sense of bewail. I focused generally on the heartache which had diffused like cancer among the numerous contented faces I formerly knew. The many "contented" faces that formerly knew me...

Patiently, our teacher stood amid the room, waiting until every grave face had settled down into their seats before uttering a 'respectful' oration to introduce the lesson. I don't quite recall what he mentioned, however I do remember that he had concluded his 'speech' by declaiming "I understand that it is hard. For all of us...But I ask that we try and focus on the lesson...". With this ending sentence, a perception of betrayal quickly arose amongst the class; jaded eyes shot up to glare at their teacher as tension built up rapidly. Breaking the silence and undesirably ceasing unfolding protests, the wooden door feebly swung open. All surprised eyes turned to look at the commotion.

A frail figure bearing an expression of guilt and demoralization appeared at the door. "Sorry I'm late..." he uttered before shuffling lethargically towards his desk whilst gazing down solemnly at his feet. Deferentially, silence remained of high importance amongst his classmates as they gave reassuring, apologetic smiles. All this time I surveyed his face - his eyes; the ones I had always cherished, the ones that had made me fall in love, they had become hazy and distant. His smile, the smile that I yearned to see; the smile I never allowed anyone to deprive him of; it was now gone. And I was the cause for the lack of his beauty.
He slumped down and burrowed his head into his arms, but as he did one of his friends, attempting to cheer him up, ruefully nudged him. He raised his head off the desk slightly, revealing a crumpled note clenched in his palm, before returning to the former position. His friend instantly stopped and surrendered to the grief.
I deplorably neared him, as he lay undisturbed on the desk, his head resting gently in his arms. Unable to forgive myself, I leaned closer to him, placed my hand gently on his shoulder, and whispered his captivating name - to him I was just gentle breeze now.

Eventually, the forbearing teacher began the register. After each name was casually called, a mumbled reply echoed from different corners of the room. The students were sick of the atmosphere; that's until the teacher came upon my name and out of habit, faltered "Jane?". It was like silence was the new best friend. People glanced back at my love as I continued to stand there with my hand propped on his shoulder. My-, I mean, his classmates struggled to remain silent, but further allowed the teacher to recall the tragic event and correct his mistake. I felt my tears burning, leaving an engraved trail of regret. He raised his head sharply, and infirmly stood up, I instantly took my hand off his shoulder. A defeated look on his face informed the teacher that the actions were ensued by yet another mistake on his behalf.
Irritated, he marched towards the door, heaved it open and dithered whether to slam the door or avoid doing so. He walked out of the Science room, speechless and unable to express his emotions. I straggled behind him, and managed to somehow slip through the crack he left, due to the indecisive moment he encountered.

I caught him nervously pacing through the corridor towards a small storage room, which surprisingly was left open by some caretakers. I quickened my pace to catch up with him; and slipped through the crack. "Please, don't cry..." I began, before I realized that I was deceased; he couldn't hear me. He approached a corner, leaned against the wall and slid down to the unmanaged floor before sobbing.
I stood there helpless, unable to comfort him. And what was worse, was that no one bothered to go after him, except..except for a ghost. He began fidgeting, I looked at him trying to decode his actions, and that's when I realized that he got hold of my note. He held on to a memory

"It hurts to leave, but I have no choice. All this pain, I want it to end. I let myself fall into a lie, I hurt myself. I let myself smile, laugh and feel alive - God, I was so stupid to indulge in this masquerade.

I am sorry how it ends this way, but promise not to cry...

I'm falling apart-"

Promptly he ceased to continue reading my letter and instead took a small paper box out of his bag. Confused I felt an urge to stop it, however my uncertainty grasped me tight.He swiftly opened up the small box, took out what seemed like pills and consumed them. Afraid I stood motionless as I observed what he did next -

He stood up, closed the door of the small room and retreated back into the corner. Within minutes he became drowsy looking as I lunged at him, falling to my knees and grabbing his hand. He began to fade in and out of consciousness before closing his eyes for the last time. I rested my head on his shoulder and began to cry.
I awaited for him to take in another breath, but it never came... I became dizzy and my world became black.

To be continued...