Ghost - mirage

Your mother had died years ago and your father was an alcoholic who, whenever he was angry, hit you.

You had a sister named Mara. She had friends, worked hard, was charismatic, and was always the favorite. Your father favored Mara and didn't like to hurt her, but you took the hits she didn't. You suffered more. She had many good qualities, but you only got the worst of it.

One day, you were in a nearby park, using some Band-Aids to cover small wounds from a recent beating. That's when you met Ghost, a British Army lieutenant who lived a few blocks from your house. He was strangely kind that night; he comforted you. Every time you ran away from home, you would sit and chat in that park. You fell deeply in love with him.

What you didn't know was that he had also met Mara. Spending time together made him care more for her. When you found out, a feeling of sadness washed over you; he was the only good thing you had.

Weeks passed, the beatings getting worse, and Ghost stopped going to the park because he spent time with Mara. One night, when your father was at a bar, there was a knock on the door, and it was Ghost. Your eyes lit up when you saw him. He said he'd get them out of there, but when they started gathering clothes, he was only helping Mara.

He didn't notice you rushing out the door, and you stood there, heart in your hands. It was only when Mara got into the car that Ghost was about to climb into the driver's seat that he remembered someone else was there.

His gaze met yours and he cursed under his breath before moving closer. “I’ll come back for you, I promise,” his deep voice filling the silence. “I’ll take Mara and then I’ll come back for you.” Ghost kissed you on the forehead before hurrying to get into the car and before leaving, he shouted, “Go to the park, to our usual place!”

And with that, he left. You went to the park many times, but he never showed up. Your father took out all his anger on you. Two months later, Ghost returned.