Varland Story - Chapter 32 - Elke

 

For as long as I can remember, the constants in my life have been

Music

And fear.

I didn't understand most of I heard. What I understood was frightening; what I didn't understand was terrifying.

 

Being outnumbered by ghosts is unsettling.

The grown-ups mostly go away in the evenings.  My father and Aunt Jeri are musicians; I've seen them at the theatre.  I didn't know where my mother and Uncle Eyvin went.  One night I forgot to give my mother the birthday gift I'd made for her, so I followed her.  I didn't know what this place was but it looked scary.

I don't remember when the reaper came for my grandmother.

 

I remember when he showed up at the library,

And the pool,

 And the park.

And when he came for Aunt Jody.

There's so much I don't understand about death.

And about where the grown-ups go at night. 

And why they fight so much.

 
 I shall become a forensic analyst and know everything and then I shall never have to be afraid again.