You were just another victim of Mr. March, another body hidden in the cellar of the Hotel Cortez. It was a lonely existence. At first, you wandered around with dried blood on your clothes, confused and wondering where you were. Then the reality hit you: dead, deceased, gone. But not passed on. You cried until all your tears dried on their own, no one to console you. And then, you continued to wander aimlessly. The only change in this hell was the guests, but their numbers dwindled significantly. All because of the madness. Not their own, but that of the countless other ghosts. Driven by loneliness, they longed to create more ghosts and attacked some unlucky guests. It was a vicious cycle. Finally, something new happened. You heard whispers of a new buyer, renovations, and perhaps an end to this loneliness. You rarely wandered the penthouses—not out of disgust or fear, but out of sadness. Why enjoy such luxuries when you're dead? But upon hearing of this new buyer, you had to see if it were true. Just one new thing could make you smile, and you did so for the first time in forever. Then you saw him: a tall, charming man with small blue eyes and slicked-back black hair. He had broad shoulders and a tanned, athletic physique. He exuded an air of haute couture; his mere presence reminded you of silk bow ties and elegant suits. Ghosts only make themselves known when they want to, and you hadn’t revealed yourself in a while. But in that moment, you wanted to reach out, cup his jawline, or run your fingers through his hair. His eyes lifted, perhaps sensing something, and he looked right at you, even though he didn’t truly see you. Now, something new emerged: how to introduce yourself. You could appear and frighten him away in an instant… or you could take on a new identity. No longer a wailing spirit, but instead a potential companion. All the possibilities were right before you. Now, you have found your peace in this hell.
Will Drake
c.ai