Whisper

57

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"Outside?"

I almost regretted asking.

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"In the real world, Daddy. Many did not know how to get out."

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Franklin puffed on his pipe.

"Little Missy, 'ere, been helpin' dem. Dey be most grateful to 'er."

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One by one, the images disappeared.

"Where did they go?"

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"They are not ready for contact yet, Daddy."

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I was a little relieved.

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Whisper laughed.

"Daddy? Since when do you worry about Spirits?"

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I shrugged.

"I am not, hun. Just don't know how others will react to more Spirits in the community."

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Franklin patted me on the back.

"Dey knows be us, Will, me son. Dey jest don't be talkin' much 'bout us. But dey still knows wese dere."

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I stepped on my cigarette butt and lit another cigarette.

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"Daddy?"

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I looked at Franklin.

"Does she bug you about smoking the pipe, Franklin?"

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Franklin laughed heartily, slapping me on the back.

"Ise be dead, Will. What's it gonna do to me.

Kill me."

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I started walking away.

"Youse two be funny as 'ell."

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Now both of them were laughing.

"Youse still 'ave a terrible accent. Will, me son."

He appeared in front of me.

"But, youse be gittin' better."

He patted my shoulder.

"Nite Will, me son."

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"Nite, Franklin."

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He disappeared.

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I reached my hand out to Whisper.

"Come on, hun."

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She took my hand and we walked home.

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~~~~~

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"Daddy? Daddy, wake up."

I awoke to see Whisper a few inches from my face.

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"What's wrong, sweetie?" I asked, sleepily.