Page 47 of Atlas
Atlas took our plates to the sink. “All right. Then you go find a movie, and I’ll bring over some dessert.” Opening his freezer, he pulled out three different flavors of ice cream.
Ten minutes later, I was stuffing my mouth with double caramel ice-cream while watching a movie with Atlas.
“Why would anyone move into a house like that? It looks like the haunted house from every horror movie ever.”
Atlas was on his second serving of strawberry ice-cream and shrugged. “Maybe they’re like you and don’t believe in the paranormal.”
“Do you?”
“Of course. I grew up in Ireland. It’s part of our culture.”
“You believe in ghosts?”
“I do.”
“But you’re…” I stared at him. “…intelligent.”
He laughed. “Are you saying intelligent people can’t believe in the supernatural? If that were the case, then no intelligent people could be religious.”
“That’s hardly the same thing.”
“Isn’t it? You believe in something you can’t see. It’s all based on faith.”
“Fair point. I’m just surprised that someone like you can be that naïve.”
“Maybe you’re the naïve one. Tales of spirits and ghosts have been part of the human experience forever. Doesn’t that tell you something?”
“Yes, it tells me humans are superstitious.”
“Or that there’s some truth to it.” Atlas smiled.
“Tell you what. If you die before me, I give you permission to come back as a ghost and show yourself to me.”
“Would you scream if I did?” he asked with a smile.
“No.”
“Not even if I pop in while you’re showering?”
I returned his smile. “You do that, and we can find out if ghosts can get wet.”
“Or hard,” Atlas muttered low, but I heard it and shook my head with a grin.
“You surprise me, you know,” I said.
“Why?”
“Because you come across a bit stiff, but over these past days, I’m getting to know you better, and you’ve got a wicked sense of humor.”
“You thought I was joking?”
“Weren’t you?”
“I’m always thinking about research, and the thought of finding answers about a ghostly presence is exciting to me.”
“And you want to know if a naked woman in a shower could arouse a ghost version of you.”
“Uh-huh.” He sucked his spoon dry.
