Chapter 3The Ghost in the O.R.

"Has anyone heard from Chloe? She hasn't called in days. She isn't answering."

That evening, Grandma asked the moment my parents walked in the door. She sat in her wheelchair, looking worried.

My parents' smiles vanished instantly.

"Why do you always bring up that loser?" Dad snapped.

Grandma went silent and turned her wheelchair toward her room. I followed her spirit, trying to push the chair, but my hands passed through it.

"Meow!"

A large black shadow pounced at me. It was Midnight, the stray cat I had rescued.

I tried to catch him, but he fell through my arms and hit the floor. He got up, confused, and rubbed against my invisible legs, purring.

Grandma watched him with tears in her eyes. "Do you miss Chloe too, Midnight?"

"That silly girl... tomorrow is her birthday. I bet she forgot."

Grandma pulled a pair of red socks and a red envelope from her drawer. She was superstitious about birthdays—she believed wearing red brought protection.

I had forgotten. Tomorrow was my twenty-fourth birthday.

Only Grandma remembered.

In the living room, my parents were chatting. "Sarah can finally see. We need to throw a huge party once she recovers."

Mom smiled, then frowned. "Is tomorrow a special date? I feel like I'm forgetting something."

Dad shrugged. "Nothing special. You're just tired."

"Go to sleep. Sarah is healed, you're the Chief, the business is booming. Our life is finally perfect."

Suddenly, a crash came from Grandma’s room.

Midnight was going crazy, tearing the red socks to shreds.

"Midnight! Stop! Those are for Chloe!" Grandma screamed.

My parents rushed in.