“When His Doe Eyes met her, Almond Eyes”

A short story by Francheska Orpiano

It was a rainy night on November 15, 2015, when an accident broke out on San Luis Highway.
Seven years had passed since the accident occurred. In the present, Markus, a 29 years old man,
believes he can see ghosts or souls unable to rest in peace. He works as a part-timer in a
convenience store. While getting ready, Markus slowly traced the stitches on his forehead in the
mirror, almost fading. He then looked at his watch, and it was already midnight. Joe, another
part-timer, is probably done on his shift. Markus then ran until he reached the convenience
store.

Meanwhile, Markus is checking the expiration dates of the store's products. He senses the
presence of a ghost inside the store. Markus pretends he doesn't see the spirit, but it's too late;
his doe eyes have already met the ghost's almond eyes. The ghost instantly smiles and teleports
next to him. "Wow, that's incredible! Finally, someone has noticed me! "the ghost exclaimed, her
almond eyes twinkling with delight. "My name is Luna. It's great to see you again!" On the other
hand, Markus is confused because the ghost said it was nice meeting him again; but for him, it's
his first time meeting the spirit with a pair of sparkling almond eyes.

After that encounter, Markus almost had a heart attack the next day because Luna was in his
room. He pretended not to notice the cute ghost again since he assumed she would disappear if
she didn't get the attention she craved. Markus, on the other hand, is mistaken. Luna stayed in
his apartment all day and continued to annoy him. Markus had grown accustomed to Luna
being with him every day for months. Markus already has feelings for Luna. He dreamed of
taking her to a restaurant and having a date with her someday.

After he finished his work, Markus went to the flower boutique and bought a bouquet of roses.
He used the money he saved up. Markus also went to a thrift store to buy Luna a new dress
because the man noticed that the current dress that Luna wears had some blood stains and dirt.
He then decided to go home after purchasing stuff. As soon as he entered the small apartment,
he hugged Luna. Markus whispered to Luna's ear, "l missed you." But he didn't hear an answer;
he just heard her crying. "I will miss you too," Luna said. "Why are you crying? "Markus asked. I
bought you a new dress and a bouquet of roses! Luna just smiled. They enjoyed the night
together just like the regular days.

Not until one day, when Markus got home from work, he immediately looked for Luna. He was
concerned about her. Markus had no idea where to look for her or who to ask if they had seen
her because Luna was a ghost. Every night, he drinks alcohol in the hope of seeing her again. "I
stopped drinking my medicine because if I continue it, I know I will not see you again. Luna,
please let me at least see you just once," Markus said, talking to himself. But it will never happen
because Luna is her deceased girlfriend. Luna passed away seven years ago; she didn't survive
the accident; only Markus recovered. But he is still sick. He suffered from Retrograde Amnesia
and kept having hallucinations and making up scenarios in his head the whole time.