Assignment

"I just ... I just can't stay," was the explanation. "It's the noises in the attic and the doors opening by themselves and the feeling of something always watching. I can't do it." "I understand," he said. "Truthfully, I've gotten used to all of it ... become desensitized to the creepiness." "I can't sleep," the explanation continued. "Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy." "I think they made a mistake with your assignment is all; you're not crazy," he said. "Aren't you typically matched to the living?" And the monster from the closet nodded, looking over its shoulders uncertainly (fearful of what it might find). "You should come with me," it said. "We'll head into headquarters and figure this out." "Believe it or not," the ghost boy whispered, "I like it here." And the monster shuddered, a tiny chill moving down its back. "Okay, well, take care. I'm really sorry." "Don't be; this was fun," the ghost boy mouthed (barely audible now), and his eyes glowed softly.