The first hour after everyone left, I searched the whole house, trying to find Whisper.
With no luck.
Ghost and Spirit followed me closely and I watched them, for any sign of their little dance, but there was none.
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I was beginning to get worried, but then I remembered that when we talked, Christmas morning came up, so I could only hope that she felt she should not return until that time.
Though I had no idea where she would go to, since she had told me that she could not leave the house. The veranda was the farthest that she had ever been.
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I gave up the search for a while and went to Whisper's new room to do some finishing touches, with the hopes that she would be there in the morning.
Once I finished that, I gave Sheila a call and enjoyed a cigar and scotch, in front of my fireplace, while I talked to her.
The cats never left my side.
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Once I said goodnight to Sheila, promising to see her in the afternoon, the next day, I started my search for Whisper, once again.
This time, I took my time, searching every room, every closet, every corner. I even searched in all the cupboards in the kitchen and even the fridge, stove and microwave. I figured since she was a ghost, she could pretty much hide anywhere.
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But there was no Whisper and no dances from my cats.
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Finally, around midnight, I poured one last scotch and sat in front of the fireplace, playing guitar.
Since Whisper loved the sound of my guitar playing so much, I figured, if she was nearby, she would come out of hiding.
Still, no sign of my little girl.
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Finally, I turned on the tv, to the cartoon channel, changed into my sleep pants and housecoat, took a blanket from the hall closet and lay on the couch, watching cartoons.
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The last thing I remember was Yosemite Sam claiming, "I hate dat Rabbit."
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It was my cellphone ringing that brought me out of a deep sleep.
I sleepily answered it, "Hello?"
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"Will, thank you so much for the new computer. It is perfect. I just love it."
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It was Henry.
His excited voice brought a smile to my face.
"You are so welcome, Henry. I can help you set it up, later, when I come to dinner."
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Henry laughed.
"I have it set up, Will and I am already on Facebook. This is the greatest gift in the world.
Thank you."
His voice faded.
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"Your welcome," I half yelled.
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The next thing I heard was Sheila's laugh. She had such a wonderful laugh.
"I hope he didn't wake you, Will. He has been up since 5 and has been itching to call you. I held him off as long as I could."
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"That's okay. I was about to haul my ass out of bed anyway and make some coffee."
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"So, you are still coming for dinner?"
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"Of course I am. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
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"Well, you can pop over anytime. You don't have to wait until the afternoon.
It would be nice for you and Henry to spend some time together."
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I had to agree.
"I will be over, early afternoon. Just have to call my sister and niece and do a few last minute things around here."
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"Okay," she said softly.
"I love you."
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"I love you, too," I whispered.
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We said goodbye.
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Ghost and Spirit were both crawling over me by now.
"Okay. I get the point."
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I got up, used the washroom, put on my coffee and gave the cats their breakfast.
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As soon as I poured my coffee, I went to the living room and turned on the tree lights.
The Christmas tree was beautiful. But the memory of Whisper and I decorating it, made me a little sad.
The few small gifts under the tree were for Spirit and Ghost, not that they would even notice.
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I had just lit a fire, when I heard a scream from the far end of the house. I turned to the hallway, just in time to see Ghost and Spirit racing toward the scream.
I ran down the hallway. As soon as I opened the door to the new room, there was another scream.
I walked inside, a huge smile on my face.
My little girl was home.
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The room that we had all worked so hard on, was a little girl's dream. And it was all for Whisper.
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Everything a little girl could want. A four poster princess bed, with matching pink drawers. A pink love seat, with matching footstool. A big plush armchair, for when I sat in her room with her.
We had built a large window seat, with fluffy pink and purple cushions, so she could sit and watch the outside world and the wildlife that frequented our garden and the forest surrounding.
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There was a pink desk and chair, with a computer system set up on it.
I had one of the technicians at the computer shop download thousands of songs on the computer and it was hooked directly into a stereo system.
There was not only children's songs, but many of the rock classics that Whisper so loved.
Since she was becoming so adept at buttons and remotes and such, I felt this would be a breeze for her.
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There were several bookcases filled with books I thought she might like. And a huge selection of Archie comics. She was fascinated with the Archie gang.
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A 48 inch flat screen television, hooked to the computer and to the satellite dish, with all the cartoon channels programmed.
I would have to show her how to access the cartoons on the computer, but I was sure in time, she would be a pro at it.
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Dolls, teddy bears and stuffed animals of every kind filled the room. Dozens of fluffy pillows.
Even a large dollhouse with every conceivable piece that I could find.
I even had a swinging cat door put in the door so Spirit and Ghost could come and go.
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There was a big bow around the bottom two posts of her bed.
A 5 foot high Christmas card had a huge picture of Santa on it and a simple 4 words inside;
Merry Christmas
Love
Daddy
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I could almost feel her arms around my waist.
"I love you, Daddy."
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"I love you too Whisper," I said looking down where I assumed she was.
Tears were filling my eyes.
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There was another scream of delight.
"I love it, Daddy."
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The television sprung to life and immediately Ghost and Spirit jumped up on the bed.
They both lay on the bed about three feet apart. I assumed they were on either side of Whisper.
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I turned to leave the room.
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"Where are you going, Daddy? Stay and watch some cartoons with me."
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I nodded.
"Let me get my coffee."
I poured a fresh cup of coffee and went back to the room.
I sat in the big arm chair and put the coffee on a small table next to it.
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Spirit and Ghost jumped off the bed and up on the arms of the chair.
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I looked down.
"Are you sitting on my lap?"
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"You don't mind, do you, Daddy?"
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Tears filled my eyes.
"No. Not at all."
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I sat there watching cartoons and laughing along with my ghostly daughter.