Chapter 1

SCENE ONE

PROLOGUE:

As I move around the house, I'm overwhelmed by the number of people here. It's difficult to
manoeuvre through the crowd, and I can't help but feel a little hurt that there are so many people
present. It's almost as if they think I'm no longer alive. In the background, I hear people crying
and mourning, which makes me feel the same way. However, I can't cry. The delicious food on
the dining table catches my eye, but when I try to take a slice of lemon meringue pie, my hand
passes through it. It feels strange. As I continue through the living room, I can't shake the feeling
that I'm like a ghost.

***

BEFORE:

I walked to school as usual, texting my friend Emma on the way. The road was quiet, empty, and
abandoned. It was a relief to not have anyone watching me. In English class, I started feeling
dizzy and rested my head on my desk. I must have dozed off because I was startled awake by
Mr. Smith's booming voice, "Wake up, young lady! You can't sleep in my class!"

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Smith," I quickly blurted out. My head still felt heavy and weird, and I was
struggling to stay focused on the lesson.

After school, I walk back home but something catches my attention on the lawn next to mine. it
was Mrs. Winkles's house. There were police cars all around her house. She was a 90-year-old
lady whose husband died 15 years ago:

"There she is, we found her!" A voice comes from inside.

Then one of the officers exits the house.

"Sir, we found her body lying underneath the bed and there is a bad smell coming from
there."The officer seemed to be confused.

"Ok, take her out and I'm gonna call Mr. John to come and investigate the crime."

I get back home...

***

"Hey Mum," I shouted as I walked in the door.

"How was school today?" Mum asks with a smile.

"It was pretty average," I said, not wanting to bore her with the details of my day. "Just a lot of
classes and homework."

Mum nodded understandingly. "Well, I'm glad you're home now. Do you want to eat dinner now
or are you not hungry yet?"

"I'm okay for now, thanks," I replied, eager to go upstairs and join my friends for some gaming
on my PC.

"Alright then, just let me know if you start to feel hungry," Mum said as I made my way up the
stairs.

Chapter 3
It has been a couple of weeks since school started and things seem to be improving. Today, I had
chemistry class in the morning and I was excited about the food energy experiment we will be
conducting after the break. I quickly grab my cornbread square and head to break.

I turn around to see Emma approaching me, clearly out of breath from running. "Mia, wait for
me," she says. I smile and wait for her to catch up. "Hey Emma, what's up?" I ask. She takes a
deep breath before speaking. "I'm not sure if it's true, but I heard that Tilly, the girl you reported
for using her phone in math class a few weeks ago, got suspended for it, and then something
terrifying happened," Emma says.

I feel a pang of guilt in my chest. "Y-yeah, what happened to her?" I ask, my voice shaking
slightly.

"There is a rumour going around that she drowned on Tuesday when she was strolling on the
beach and no one has found her body yet."

Chapter 4

A couple of months later: The dream has always been the same, as I walk along the path, I am
guided by the gentle breeze that carries me through

the beautiful green forest. Eventually, the trail brings me to a serene and peaceful beach, where
the air is filled with the refreshing scent of rain and the surroundings feel cool and moist. My
steps are light as I tread upon the soft bed of fallen leaves, knowing that my companion's spirit
cannot follow me to this sacred place.

As I approach the bottom of the hill, the beach comes into view, rising above the horizon. The
sky above is dark as coal, with endless grey clouds looming overhead. A feeling of vulnerability
washes over me, and I can't help but feel frightened. The air here is different, bigger, and less
forgiving, with a scent of sea, salt, and decay. Seeking solace, I move closer to the water's edge,
and a rush of water washes over my boots, leaving behind two identical, dark stains. I shiver
against the chill and take a moment to observe my surroundings.

Is her soul still around me?

Another wave comes up, more imposing than the last, and I step back. The water crashes onto
the shore with a deafening roar, and I feel the sand give way beneath my feet. But the wave
doesn't retreat. It keeps rising towards me, not cresting or breaking. Panic sets in as I realize I am
on the path of a powerful undertow. I cry out and stumble backwards, trying to regain my
balance. The water engulfs me, dragging me under its current. I struggle to keep my head above
water, gasping for air as the waves toss me around like a rag doll. The wave grows larger, more
menacing, finally overtaking me and sucking me into its icy deep.
Hands, fingers, hair. Her hands, her fingers, her hair. They all wrap around me, colder than
death, and pull me under as I scream. The last thing I know is my lungs getting filled with the
brackish water and I black out in nothingness, as she calls out my name in vain…

"No!" I shout, jolting awake with sweat pouring down my face and forehead. It takes a moment
to realize that I'm in bed, inside my

home, and not on the beach. My heart is pounding in my chest as I try to shake off the nightmare
that just terrorized me.

I take a deep breath and try to calm myself down. The fear is still fresh in my mind, and I can't
shake it off. I reach for my phone and check for the time: 3:05...

Chapter 5

I wake up and go through my morning routine, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of my
nightmare. As I walk to school, I notice the wind is particularly strong and the roads are empty.
Suddenly, I heard someone call out my name from behind me. I try to turn around, but I stumble
and fall to the ground. Confused, I look around but there is no one there. I feel a throbbing pain
in my knees as I get up, but there are no visible injuries. It's all so strange, and I can't help feeling
a little unnerved

***

In maths we had Ms Eldred teaching us about Geometry and because she was a slightly death old
lady people didn't take the lesson seriously and kept playing around. Then after school, I walked
back home

with my friend Emma until her bus stop that she must take to South Wimbledon station.

I can still feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins as I think about what happened last night.
I had just left my friend's bus stop and was walking home alone under the cover of darkness. The
streets were quiet and empty, and the only sounds I could hear were the rustling of leaves and my
footsteps echoing through the silent neighbourhood.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. At first, I thought it was just my imagination playing
tricks on me, but as the footsteps grew louder and more persistent, I knew I was not alone. I
turned around, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw a white figure emerging from the darkness.

I froze in my tracks, unsure of what to do. The figure appeared to be moving towards me, and I
could feel my heart racing faster and faster with each passing moment. I tried to convince myself
that it was just a passerby, but my gut told me otherwise.
As the figure got closer, I could make out its features. It was a tall, slender figure dressed in
white from head to toe. Its face was obscured by a white mask, and its eyes seemed to be staring
right through me. I felt a chill run down my spine, and I knew I had to act quickly.

I started walking faster, hoping to put some distance between me and the figure. But no matter
how fast I walked, the figure seemed to be keeping pace with me. It was as if it was toying with
me, playing a sick game of cat and mouse.

I could feel my fear turning into panic, and I knew I had to do something before it was too late. I
turned around and faced the figure, ready to defend myself if I had to. But as I looked at it, I
realized that it was not moving towards me anymore. It had stopped in its tracks and was staring
at me with an eerie stillness.

I took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to speak. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice
trembling with fear.

The figure didn't respond. It just stood there, silent and motionless, like a statue.

I waited for what felt like an eternity, but the figure remained unresponsive. Eventually, I turned
around and continued walking, hoping that the figure would leave me alone.

As I walked away, I could feel the weight of its stare on my back, and I knew that I would never
forget this terrifying encounter.

It was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was tall and thin, with long arms that seemed to
stretch on forever. I couldn't make out its face, but I could feel its eyes staring straight at me.

All I wanted was to get away as quickly as possible. I kept looking around me, making sure I
wasn't being followed. If I had felt unsafe, I knew I could have called for help or found a safe
place to hide.

As I continued to walk, my mind raced with questions. Who or what was that white figure? Was
it human, or something else entirely? My curiosity battled with my fear, and I couldn't help but
wonder what was going to happen next. Every step I took felt like an eternity, but I knew I
couldn't stop until I was out of danger.
Chapter 6

I'm home now, and it has been about two hours since I entered my room. I'm feeling creeped out
and ghosted as if someone is watching me. I'm still alive, tangled in my blanket, but the feeling
of unease is getting worse. I keep wondering why Mom is not back from work yet. I tried calling
her multiple times, but she wasn't replying. I'm not sure who I am supposed to be telling now.
Maybe she is nursing a patient in an emergency. I try to calm myself down by watching some
TV, but the feeling of unease persists. I keep looking at the clock, waiting for her to come home.

Finally, a couple of more hours pass, and

it's already 10 p.m. I make up my mind to get up and get dressed in my comfortable outfit. I put
on my favourite leggings, oversized jumper, and fluffy coat. I need some fresh air, so I head
outside. The cold breeze hits my face, and I feel a bit better. However, I can't shake off the
feeling of unease that has been plaguing me all day. I call Emma on the way;

Hey Mia!" Emma shouted on the phone.

"Hi, I just wanted to ask if you're busy or not because I want to talk to you about something
worrying me. Can I meet you at the south Wimbledon Park that's next to you?"

"No, I'm not busy at all. And sure, I'll see you at half 10, near the gates at the end of the park."

I arrived a few minutes early and walked through the park, my footsteps echoing in the eerie
silence. The trees rustled ominously in the wind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was
being watched. The darkness seemed to close in around me, and I quickened my pace, heart
pounding in my chest. I keep on walking. But then, I noticed something strange happening
around me. More leafless trees were appearing, each one of them whispering to each other. The
wind was getting stronger now, and it started to rain, so I put my coat's hood on.

The air was cool and wet with rain, and

my footsteps were light on the carpet of brown, fallen leaves. I stopped for a moment and looked
around. The park was transformed, and I felt like I had entered a different world altogether. The
trees were bare, and the ground was covered in a blanket of leaves. The raindrops fell on my
face, and I closed my eyes, taking in the sweet smell of wet earth.
As I continued walking, the wind picked up, and the trees swayed violently. The rain fell harder,
soaking me to the bone. 'As I hurry down the path where I knew her soul was waiting for me...'

I stir up. Is this where I was in my nightmare? 'No Mia stop thinking about it.' I tell myself.

As the darkness falls, I continue onward, unsure if Emma is expecting me to be here. I quicken
my pace but avoid running. Suddenly, the smell of smoke fills the air, coming from around the
corner. I take cover in the nearby foliage and peek around the bend. I couldn't believe my eyes...

Chapter 7

My heart races as I stand on the shore, looking out at the turbulent sea. It's the same one that's
haunted my dreams for months. I can feel my legs shaking as I wonder if this is real or just
another nightmare. As the storm rolls in, I know I can't go back. I take a deep breath and hope
that Emma is waiting for me here. I find myself strolling aimlessly, my feet carrying me further
and further along an unknown path. Before long, I find myself standing at the foot of a steep hill.
As I look up, my gaze is met with a breathtaking view of a beach that seems to rise before me.
The sky above is shrouded in darkness, with endless clouds stretching out as far as the eye can
see. Despite the ominous weather, I feel an irresistible pull towards the sea. The sound of the
waves crashing against the shore feels familiar and comforting, as though I've been here before.
Standing on the shore, I can't help but feel that this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. I feel a
sudden sense of vulnerability and fear. The atmosphere around me feels overwhelming and
unforgiving, with the scent of the sea and salt mixing with the smell of decay. Seeking refuge, I
head towards the water, feeling the rush of waves against my boots before they retreat, leaving
behind dark stains. The chill in the air sends shivers down my spine, and I scan my surroundings,
searching for any sign of safety.

I stand at the edge of the shore, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean. The salty breeze
whips through my hair, and I feel the grains of sand crunching beneath my feet. But despite the
beauty of the scene before me, my mind is consumed with a single, haunting question: is her soul
still around me?

As if in answer to my thoughts, another wave crashes onto the shore, more imposing than the
last. I step back instinctively, but the wave doesn't retreat. It keeps rising towards me, not
cresting or breaking. My heart pounds in my chest as I cry out and stumble backwards.

The wave grows larger, more menacing, finally overtaking me and sucking me into its icy deep. I
feel the coldness of the water enveloping me, pulling me down into its depths. And at that
moment, I can't help but wonder if she's there, in the darkness with me.

I remember her smile, her laughter, the way she used to run her fingers through my hair in the
evil way she used to look at me. Tia! I wonder if she's still watching over me if she's still here
with me in some way. But as the darkness closes in around me, I'm left with nothing but the
sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the memory of her touch.

Her hands, her fingers, her hair. Tia's hands, fingers, and hair! They all wrap around me, colder
than death, and pull me under as I scream. The last thing I know is my lungs getting filled with
the brackish water

and I black out in nothingness, as she calls out my name in vain…

SCENE TWO

Chapter 8:

As the funeral came to a close, the sound of footsteps and chatter gradually faded away, leaving
me alone in my room. Memories flooded back as I looked around, taking in the familiar furniture
and decor that I had seen just a few weeks prior. The heaviness of the occasion lingered in the
air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness as I reflected on the loss we had all just
experienced. I sit quietly in my room, taking in the familiar surroundings. My eyes drift over to
my desk, where my pink laptop sits, and then to my cupboard, which appears to be empty. The
silence in the room seems to amplify the emptiness I feel inside.

As I sit quietly in my room, I can hear my mum mumbling in the next room:

"Mum, I don't know, I always tell her to come back at 5. It's all my fault I didn't answer her
calls."

I guess she was talking to the nanny after, As I heard her voice full of tears, my heart sank. I
realized that as a ghost, she couldn't see me, but I could sense her pain. I approached her gently
and tried as hard as I could to talk:

"Mum?" I call out, and she looks up, confused. She then looks at Nan, who quickly moves to
comfort me. "I can still imagine her calling for me," she cries as tears start to flow down her
cheeks. It's a strange feeling to be a ghost, a mere shadow of my former self?" I call out, and she
looks up, confused. She then looks at Nan, who quickly moves to comfort me. "I can still
imagine her calling for me," she cries as tears start to flow down her cheeks. It's a strange feeling
to be a ghost, a mere shadow of my former self, no longer able to fully participate in this world.
It's like watching a movie, but I'm not even in control of the remote.

The unfairness of it all weighs heavy on my mind. I've been taken away from the people I love
and a life that was still full of possibilities. I'm trapped in this in-between world, where I can
only observe but not participate. But at this moment, Nan is holding Mum close, reminding her
that she's still loved and cared for. It's a small comfort, but it's enough for now. The tears flow,
and she closes her eyes, hoping that someday, somehow, things will get better.
Chapter 9:

As I hover over the beach where I met my fate, I notice a swarm of police cars and officers.
Surprisingly, they haven't discovered my body yet. Suddenly, something grabs my attention, and
my mind is filled with thoughts of Tilly. I spot her sitting beneath the cliff. Has she too become a
spirit like me?

I glide over to her and she didn't seem to recognize me at first. "Tilly?" I query, hoping to jog her
memory. Memories flood my mind as I am filled with a sense of dread for what we once shared.
she looks up at me:

"Mia? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me. People at school were so worried about you when you went missing."

"H-how did you get here? Are you dead too?" She seemed confused.

" Well I drowned here a year ago and I-" I couldn't finish my sentence because she started talking
too;

"YOU DROWNED TOO? Seriously?" Her face was as pale as my bedroom wall. She also
looked stunned.

"Y-yes I did." I stutter. " It was this white figure that I've had a nightmare of for months and then
it freaked me out in real life and it-" I noticed that I was talking too quickly.

" You mean, Lucy-may who did that?"

"WHAT-May?"

"The one you talking about that freaked you out in real life and dreams. She's known as Lucy-
May and people have seen her mostly in drains and the oceans." She insists.

I looked at her, feeling puzzled. But as I listened, everything started to make more sense.

"Anyway, how are your parents, Mia? How is your mom and dad doing? "

I feel a pain inside me. It felt weird, that I was a spirit and I had feelings.

"Yeah, my mum's fine. A-and Dad." I gulp then continue."He died 12 years ago then." I looked
up at Tilly, She seemed distracted so I thought about asking her about her family.

"Yeah, so how about you Tilly, how's your family going? Did you visit them yet?" I ask.

" Yeah, I have but they aren't doing well. Mum has lost her job and Dad got fired by his Boss a
couple of weeks ago, and yeah my siblings have been having a rough time in school but it's
fine."I felt relieved that she didn't pay much attention when I talked about Dad. Then she asked:
"Wait, you said something about your dad being dead didn't you?" She asks.

I begin to feel anxious and uneasy.

"Y-yes, I did."

"What is his name?"

"My father? I think it was George."

She grabs my arm so rapidly.

"If he is dead, we would have seen him or even heard his name around here."

"So what does that mean? Is he still alive?"

Tilly shrugs.

"Have you heard about him passing away or were you there when he did?" She asks.

"No, he passed away in a stormy night. So all that I remember is that he only went to work not
Mum cos he had a meeting and one of the men there, who was my father's friend at work, came
and told us about my father's death as he had to go to hospital and no one knew why." I insisted.

"Well, so you haven't witnessed it?"

"No."

"That means he isn't dead, what has your mother told you about him?"

"Nothing, just that he has passed away."

"Alright, I know who you should see. She is the leader of us all just because she thinks she is
tough but no one liked her, anyway."

"Who?" I ask.

"Lucy-May. Did you forget her?"

"N-no I didn't. But do we need to see her?"

"I mean if you don't want to then I guess you won't be able to ask about your father if she has
seen him or not."

I sigh.

"Fine let's go."

Chapter 10:

12 years ago:

It was the 9th of April 2010, when Dad came back from work.

"Beth, Mia, Mother-in-law, I'm back," Dad shouts as he closes the door and enters.

I run to him happy, very happy to see Dad. Then I noticed a plastic bag in his left hand.

"Mia, I got you some of your favourite Haribo sweets."

The nan comes out of the kitchen with a towel in her hands.

"Well, George, I made some dinner cos Elizbeth called me a couple of minutes ago and said she
won't be back until 12."

***

The next day Dad goes to work because he had an important meeting while mum didn't. It was a
stormy day and the wind was so strong. when I was looking out the window. Mum and Nan were
both so worried about dad. And that night was when the news about dad's death came...

Chapter 11:

We drift across a path that leads to a cottage. It wasn't just any cottage. it was an old and
abandoned one. We enter it. It smelt damp.

"Mia, I will be right back, just stay here." I hear Tilly muttering.

"Wait are you going to leave me here?" I blurt out.

"Are you scared?"

"No."

"Ok then stay here I will be back."

She leaves. The cottage felt raw and cold. it was a strange feeling but I felt scared too.

"You looking for someone, Mia?"

I hear a throaty tone from behind me. I turn slowly cringing.

"Y-Y-Yes I am," I murmur.

it wasn't Tilly, it was Lucy-May. She had long platinum hair and sky-blue arctic eyes that stared
right through me. But this time she wasn't white from head to toe. She had a long, yellow-stained
dress and black-covered high hills. Her face was mouldy with mascara plus tears mixed stains
down to her cheekbones. She also seemed skinny and pale

"Looking for me?" she implores with a cold stare.

"Yes." For some reason, I felt strong inside me.

"mm-hh-mm. Because you want to know about your father right?"

How did she know?

"Who has told you about me, and how do you know my name?"

"I a spirit and I have followed you everywhere but I have wanted to tell you that-"

I felt upset but very ragous at the same time. Is that why she freaked me out while I was awake
and asleep?

"Dont say I was you who got me frightened and led me to the ocean and-"

"Calm down, you aren't dead, Just wake up Mia and you will know everything about what
happened and where your dad is. Wake up."

I felt calm. I had to wake up.

"But-"

As soon as I looked around, I realized she had vanished. Was it just a nightmare or would I wake
up soon?

Chapter 12:

"Docter, She's waking up!" I hear Mum shouting.

I flutter my eyelids.

Where am I? I give a gentle pinch on my arm. IM AWAKE.

"Mia you alright now."

I looked up its nan.

"Mum?" I try as hope that this isn't another dream of mine.

"Yes, honey."

"Where is Dad?" I ask

Mum gives a glare at Nan. Then the doctor speaks:

"Well Ms Harris, Your daughter has to start to walk on crutches because of the fracture that she
had when she fell in the ocean."

So I did drown but I'm ok now.

"Ok, thanks, doctor," Mum says as she helps me sit up.

Nan gives me a cup of water.

***

We are finally home and I'm in bed. I don't feel sleepy anymore. I look at the time on my phone,
it's 2:30 a.m. There was chatting downstairs. Mum and Nan were still away. I lean towards the
door direction then try getting out of bed by reaching for my crutches and going downstairs.

"But mum, Mia is too young to know about her dad." I hear Mum saying.

"Elizabeth, all she knows is that he's dead. How come she asked about him in the hospital?"

"Mum I don't know, George has been away for 12 years now and she is turning 17 in a couple of
months. We haven't heard from him for 7 years since the news about his fake death has been
going around."

"Beth, he has called us when she was young saying that he doesn't want his daughter to know
anything about him except that he has passed away."

I feel my heart beating quickly. Dad isn't dead. That's what Lucy was trying to tell me in my
nightmares. Suddenly without realizing it go to the dining room they were sitting in.

"Mum. Nan. Where is Dad?" I blurt out.

Mum comes over to me.

"Honey, you know that your dad's dead, so why worry."

Mum was stroking my hair.

"No! I just overheard your conversation Mum, and you two said that he isn't dead and it's just a
fib."

My eyes were filled with tears, as I talked. And then Nan jumps in.

"Beth, sit down. `I think it's time for Mia to know."

I look at Mum. She seems hurt.

"Mia your dad, is in a special hospital because he was struck by thunder when you were young.
And we haven't heard about it for years now. So he must still be in hospital now."

"So is Dad still alive," I ask

"I think so, we will still send him flowers and letters to him, though," Nan claims.

Mum stands up and gives me a gentle hug.

"Ok, you must be hungry. I will make you a sandwich."

Chapter 13:

A couple of months passed by, and I started to feel better so I didn't have to use crutches
anymore, and school is becoming even better than before. And mum's job is going good. But
Nan has been going shopping a lot these days and she also has got me the grey skinny jeans that
I've wanted for months now.

"I'm back, Nan!" I shout as I open the door. I'm back from school. We had our English summer
exams today in class.

"Alright dear, go have a shower until I finish making dinner because Mum will be back at 9."

"Ok, Nan."

***

At 12, I hear the doorbell go. I was sitting in the living room texting my friend Emma on
WhatsApp. I hear Mum's voice crying as Nan opens the door. It wasnt just mum, it was dad too...