By John Newton
What a pleasure to meet you Madame. My name is Harold.
My name is Ann.
I’ve been wandering around this castle for almost a thousand years and you’re the first ghost I’ve met. When did you come to this place?
Only three hundred years ago when your husband had your head cut off. How awful.
Me? I came after fighting the Normans near Hastings.
How did I die? Yes, that bit of wood sticking out of my eye is an arrow. That’s what killed me, and it’s been a nuisance ever since.
You thought I wore it as a decoration? No. I wouldn’t carry it around to show off. I promise; it’s an arrow.
Of course, I can’t get it out. If I could, I’ve have done so nine hundred and sixty years ago.
Yes, it hurt for a few seconds. The same with your head, I suppose. By the way, could you please put your head back on? It’s unnerving talking to you with your eyes looking at me from under your arm. Especially, with only one eye I have to lipread.
Yes, I’m sure children find it funny and interesting, but it probably frightens their poor parents.
And please, Madame, stop floating around the room With only one eye it’s difficult for me to follow your movement and it is good manners to bring your head down from the ceiling and talk to me face to face.
Of course you can hold your head up. Much better than under your arm. No, not too high. A bit lower, please. That’s better. It looks almost normal and easier for me to see.
Yes, I know I only have one eye. Didn’t you hear me tell you that? Your head must have been too far away from me for your ears to work properly.
Why can’t I pull the arrow out? Because it doesn’t really exist, I can’t get hold of it properly. I am a ghost, you know. No, I don’t think you can help. Thanks for asking, though.
Yes, I agree. Haunting is a lonely task. But I quite enjoy making children laugh by going in and out through these thick stone walls, although oddly, it frightens the parents.
No really. The parents quiver and cry.
I wish you wouldn’t ask what it is like have an arrow in my eye. Do I discuss your stupid head floating about up there? Please bring it under control and get it down from the ceiling.
Well I’m sure it’s a very good joke for children, but I find it unnerving. Which bit of the castle do you haunt?
Good. A long way from here. Can you go back there now please?
No, I did enjoy meeting you. And yes, I will miss you. Please don’t cry. I didn’t mean to upset you.
Thanks anyway, but I’d prefer not to have a kiss.
Yes, you too. By the way, if you see someone who knows about bad eyes, please send them to see me.
This is one of the short stories from the book John Newton’s Short Stories Volume One, which is available on Amazon – Click to buy
Author Bio:
I don’r normally write Ghost Stories, being the season for such tales, what with Halloween and Christmas I put this little piece together.
Contact Author:
Email: nbi.john@gmail.com
