PART 16

– I was about your age when he approached me. What question did he ask you? I still remember mine, he asked me: Do you want to dance with ghosts? I had very particular tastes for a girl my age, you know. Ghost stories fascinated me. I literally devoured anything that had to do with them: stories published in newspapers, magazines, novels. I even amused myself by frightening the other girls at boarding school… So he asked me the question, and since I was intrigued, I followed him. None of my senses were spared. I had the scare of my life that night.

I carefully looked at Aunt Maud: she had never been so serious. She swallowed the rest of her raspberry tea in one gulp, then carried on:

– They aren’t mean, the others. If you think about it, most of them are simply distraught, distraught and scared. But I was too young, I got scared. I refused to pursue the relationship, refused to become their intermediary. I closed myself to them, once and for all. I never spoke to anyone about this. When I saw you in the graveyard, I knew the grave digger had found someone else to talk to.

She plunged her eyes into mine while gravely nodding her head, and I understood why the tone of her voice had changed: I clearly saw respect emerging in her gaze.

– I never would have imagined that it could be you, she continued, but when I think about it, it isn’t surprising. This kind of gift, it runs in the family.

A smile lit her round grandmotherly face.

– I bet you haven’t slept a wink. I also bet that it isn’t fear that kept you awake, but excitement. I locked myself in my room for a whole week after it happened. You’re already up, and your cheeks still have their nice peachy colour. I can see that you’re more daring, ready to face your destiny. I wish you luck, Charles.

I didn’t know how to behave, or what to answer. Aunt Maud was still smiling at me, but I could see in her eyes that she was dead serious. I felt myself go red all the way up to my ears, and, in order to avoid standing there like an idiot, I went to grab the box of Nesquick.

My aunt caught my hand.

– You’re too big for that now.

She took the pan behind her and poured a bowl of black coffee for me.

– Drink, it’ll do you good. Then, think about our conversation. When you’re done, go back to the graveyard. You’ll discover what I haven’t told you yet.

(Go to PART 17)