What did you see? she asked.

Not sure, he said. The dark is hollow. Nothing there. At least that’s what I always believed.

See things differently now?

Could be my mind is playing tricks on me. Maybe I was talking to myself. As you get older, you do that more and more, he told her.

As you get older, you go crazy? Is that what you’re saying? she ran her hands through his thick gray hair.

Maybe. Yeah. I guess I am. There’s no way I was talking to a ghost, he said.

Why’s that?

I don’t believe in them.

So you had a full-on conversation with yourself ?

Must have. Do you believe in ghosts?

I believe in paying rent, she laughed.

Yeah. I put the money on the dresser.

To answer your question. Yes. I believe in spirits. I believe they walk among us, she rubbed his shoulders.

Huh. Never thought about it.

What did the spirit say?

Said she was looking out for me. Told me I was safe.

Safe from what?

Harm. Forecasted a quiet, peaceful death for me.

I hope not too soon, she walked over to the dresser and placed his dollars in her purse.

You have to go?

Yes. Next week?

Sure.