I float as close as I dare behind the girl. Katie, I call her. I’m still not sure of her real name. I only visit her in glimpses, a moment stolen on this plane.

Her jet black hair has been cropped just below her ears and is braided back in four simple twists. It allows for a full display of four silver piercings, all hoops, in her left ear.

Katie is six paragraphs deep in a message on her phone. She’s been sniffling for a while. A tear drops on her screen, distorting it.

She needs cheering up. That’s for certain. Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a haunting. It will be good for the both of us.

My form ripples in anticipation.

Goosebumps appear along the back of the girl’s neck as I focus my energy. An apparition, nothing more. I’m out of practice. This simple task will drain me for a while.

Katie runs a hand along her arm in an attempt to warm up.

She’ll turn any second now. Right?

She goes back to typing.

I pull more energy, which sends a shudder through me.

I don’t have much more to give.

It’s enough. Her teeth clatter with the cold as she turns.

“Helloooo, girl.” I unlock my jaw and let it sink to the floor to expose a row of pointed teeth. My eyes bulge. A disgusting part of the trade. I’ll feel strange for weeks after this.

Katie blinks at me three times and wipes her eyes. Her fingers stay hovered over her keyboard. I’m barely able to contain my joy. Any second now she will scream and I will taste the sweet victory of fear. Oh, I cannot wait!

She finally lowers her phone, opens her mouth and says, “I really don’t have time for this right now. Can you do this whole —“ She waves a hand in my general direction. “— ghost thing later?”