You decide not to risk using a shortcut. The alley, after all, could be filled with hungry hobos or beggars that would simply make the trip longer.
Instead, you walk through the dimly lit city park. The pine trees seem to tower over your form but in a pleasant, dream-like manner rather than menacing. Your eyes drift over the empty park benches and the damp grass that gathers drops of water as the sprinklers hiss quietly, spitting mist over the greenery.
You can’t help but let your mind drift to pleasant imagery as you walk the silent pavement. Hannah, your sweet wife that awaits you oh-so-patiently at home. She pleaded to stay by your side as you recovered in bed but you knew better, and preferred her presence at home. You can practically see her big doe eyes gazing back at you lovingly; deep brown, swirling pools of chocolate, not unlike the ones she gifted on your first date.
By your sides, your fingers twitch with longing. It’s been three days since you last saw her, felt and hugged her soft figure, or heard her darling voice in your ear.
Time passes in a blur as you continue walking through the serene park, letting the slight drizzle of rain wet your sweater.
“Nearly home…” You whisper to yourself as you pass the small playground huddled in the corner of the fenced area.
You pass through the stone arch that marks the end of your journey and in the near distance, you can see it. Your home.
The light is still on, and you recognise it to be the warm light of your bedroom. It’s a bit odd, considering the hour of the night but you brush it off as another one of Hannah’s sleepless nights.
As you approach the front door of your home, you hesitate, preparing yourself to explain your ‘early discharge’ from the hospital but almost immediately, you’re snapped out of your thoughts. From inside, you can faintly hear the sound of retching coming from inside. There’s not a single doubt in your mind that it’s Hannah. Urgently, you rap your knuckles loudly against the door.
“Hannah? Hey!” You shout as you knock on the door loudly.
The retching continues for a few seconds before you can finally hear the sounds of footsteps approaching. The door unlocks, revealing Hannah’s exhausted face. Without a second thought or even a word from your mouth, she embraces you.
“Damnit, I was so worried about you. Why didn’t you call me to pick you up?” She doesn’t even sound angry, just relieved with your return. You can barely get the words out of your throat as she hugs you tighter, practically squeezing the air out of your lungs.
“Darling, not too–” You heave as a jolt of pain runs down your spine. Immediately, she pulls away with a sheepish smile.
“Sorry, hun. I just… I missed you.” She mumbles quickly, settling for a small peck on your cheek. She steps aside, ushering you into the cozy house, a stark contrast to the cold outside.
The next few weeks, months and eventually years fly by as a busy blur. After the chilling threat that the ghost had spoken you decided that the life of paranormal investigation simply wasn’t worth it. You settled for a simplistic office job, combined with Hannah’s work as a nurse, you eventually pay off the mortgage on the house, settling down with a son. Life may be plain, but it makes you and your family happy. And to you, that’s worth the world.
Congratulations, you got the ONLY good ending and you ain’t even in Chapter 3. You missed out, brother.