Honored Guest

I first saw her when at my husband's friend's house. She was young. Dripping wet in her yellow bathing suit. They had a pool. I imagined she was with her parents outside, neighbors perhaps. I stooped, to her eye level, and said hello.

My husband and his friend asked what I was doing, who I was talking to. They didn't see her! When I shared what I saw, my husband's friend told us a story.

Apparently, a bit more than a decade prior, a girl drowned at the house next door. They had a pool. No foul play was suspected.

Several times since, I seen that girl, timid but persistent in getting my attention. She's invaded my sleep. She's appeared on the side of the road as I drive. I became obsessed (and I think she'd have it no other way!)

Turns out, there were many poice calls for domestic violence at that address. Turns out Dad was home alone with the daughter when paramedics were called. Turns Dad answered the door with beer on his breath, TV on and wet hands when the paramedics arrived. These were small details written down, but not pursued. I tried to look up Dad. He had killed himself 8 years prior.

I like to think she felt heard. I don't see her now, except on Mother's Day.