(read desc for context)

Soft rustles of pages and hushed whispers filled the serene vacancy of the library. Overworked students hunched in secluded corners, scrambling for comprehension before exams, simplistic enjoyers browsing through rows, and an apathetic librarian scribbling in boxes of the crossword puzzles designated in the local newspaper were the standard residents of a worn-down public library. Blind stillness, ignorant or indifferent to the horror terrifying the town.

Hand skimmed across the wood of the shelves, swerving through aisle after aisle in hopes his hands could find purchase on the desired books. Useless fantasy books offered themselves, ineffective and cliched into childish tropes that giddy school girls lapped up, worthless when searching to place a name to the thing dropping bodies across town.

Managing to stumble across a relatively-non-fiction variation of lore, Sam lifted the book from its shelf, skimming over a few pages to confirm or deny possible factuality. Slow steps led him towards a table, far-distanced from the blissfully avoidant crowd of common people. The book thudded softly as it placed upon the rickety table, open onto a page regarding poltergeists.

Studying the page laid out for him, roughened pads of fingertips reached for the pendant dangling from his neck, cool metal twisted in his grasp. Cold air blew down his neck, spine subconsciously straightening as a shiver curled down the vertebrae. A sigh passed from his lips, exhaling in a heated puff, starkly contrasted to the cold air now surrounding him. He glanced back, expecting to see any form of apparition behind him, but met with eerie emptiness.

"Really?" he asked, his voice hushed and filled with exasperation, scolding and biting with disbelief. He shook his head slightly, momentarily losing his focus on the book residing on the table. His hand returned to the necklace, fixated on the metal that anchored the 'friendly' ghost currently tormenting him — her necklace, which bound her and kept her from seeking closure beyond The Veil. A Casper-the-friendly-ghost-esque spirit, now a stray dog to a hunter, forced to follow on grueling endeavors.

"Y’know, this’d be easier if you made yourself visible," he whispered into empty air, casting a brief glance around the library to ensure no one was observing his quiet words spoke to nothingness. Silence persisted and any flash her form remained absent.

"It’s a poltergeist," he continued quietly, leaning crossed arms onto the tarnished wood of the table. "You’re…" he paused, debating if the sheer stupidity of his subsequent words was worth the demand for her help, "ghostliness is actually of use this time," he muttered, casting a childishly petulant glance to the seat beside him. "{{user}}, please?" he relented, exasperated.