Vivianne dressed for her grandmother's final wake. She hadn't gone the day before—she was feeling unwell and couldn't make sense of the disturbing nightmares that plagued her every time she closed her eyes.
She sighed, recalling how Tashia would always tell stories. Vivianne didn't want to interfere with the relationship Sharlene had entered into, but the guilt gnawed at her. She could no longer stay silent about the things she had noticed—about Sharlene's husband and even Sheila, the friend she once trusted.
Tashia had already left to help with the preparations and had stayed overnight at the house to rest. Vivianne looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a simple white shirt and pants, her hair neatly tied. With one last breath, she stepped out.
She had a strange feeling—like someone was following her. She glanced back, but nothing was there. Brushing off the unease, she waited for a ride, torn between going straight to the church or heading to the house first.
I need to make it up to them, she thought. So, she went straight home and joined the others in the ride to church.
The trip was quick; the streets weren't busy. She paid her fare, and before stepping down, she noticed two people looking at her and raising their eyebrows. Without a word, she walked past them, clearing her throat as she did. They looked surprised but said nothing.
Inside, the house was filled with people. She quickly spotted Sharlene, who held baby Ashley in her arms. From a distance, Vivianne observed them, waiting for a chance to help.
Of course, there's a price to pay, she reminded herself silently.
She soon noticed Tashia and approached her.
"Good thing you made it," Tashia said.
Vivianne simply nodded. "What can I do to help?"
"There's nothing left to do. Everything's ready," Tashia replied. The ceremony was about to begin.
At the church, Vivianne was surprised by how many people showed up. She quietly found a seat in a corner, but then her gaze fell on a woman dressed in black mourning clothes. The woman smiled—but it wasn't comforting. It was eerie.
Vivianne felt chills crawl over her skin. Goosebumps rose as she tried to shake off the feeling.
Tashia noticed her and sat beside her. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Tash," Vivianne whispered.
Tashia looked at her with concern.
"I saw her again—the woman in mourning clothes from my dream. She's here." Her voice trembled.
"Sister, we're all in mourning clothes," Tashia said gently.
"No, Tashia. She's in all black." Vivianne looked around again—but the woman had vanished.
"Sister..." Tashia sighed.
Then, Vivianne gasped. The woman she had seen was standing beside her now, smiling with a strange gentleness. She put a finger to her lips.
Shhh. Don't make any noise.
Vivianne froze. The woman's beauty was haunting, her face bruised and wounded, her hands clutching a bouquet of wilted roses.
I'm just here to offer my condolences to your grandmother, the woman said, her voice like a whisper in the wind.
Vivianne couldn't respond. She knew she wasn't talking to a living person—but a wandering soul.
Suddenly, the church doors opened. The coffin was being carried out toward the cemetery. The woman disappeared as quietly as she had come.
Someone shook her gently.
"Sis, don't push yourself. You need to rest," Tashia said with concern.
"What happened to me?" Vivianne asked, confused.
"I've been talking to you, but you were staring off into space," Tashia replied.
"H-Huh?" Vivianne tried to gather her thoughts but was interrupted as people started leaving the church.
"Let's go," Tashia said.
Vivianne nodded, still dazed. They boarded a slow-moving vehicle, following the cultural tradition of a solemn funeral procession.
At the cemetery, grief hung heavy. Vivianne saw tears fall as they laid their grandmother to rest. Though she hadn't been close to her, the loss still struck her deeply.
By the coffin, she saw the woman again. She quietly placed the wilted roses on the casket before vanishing once more. As she walked away, Vivianne noticed muddy footprints trailing behind her—thick with blood.
Vivianne swallowed hard. Her body felt heavy, like she was coming down with something. Still, she made it through.
Back at the house, Sharlene stood in a white dress, sadness etched across her face. She cradled Ashley, who had fallen asleep from exhaustion and tears.
Sharlene handed Vivianne an envelope and offered a tired smile.
"Just tell me if you need anything, Vivianne," she said.
Vivianne took the envelope without counting the money inside. Tashia was also given one.
"Thank you," was all she managed.
She turned to leave, her body aching for rest.
"I'm heading out," Vivianne said.
Sharlene nodded. Tashia joined her.
As they walked away, Vivianne glanced back. What she saw made her want to scream—a woman gently stroked Ashley's hair and smiled. Vivianne quickly turned away and kept walking, silent and shaken.