Ghost Human Bones

Emilian Grim

It’s the first day of the spring semester. The sun is at its brightest, casting a glow over campus as I make my way to Instructor Inga’s class. Despite the lingering chill in the air, I can’t help but feel invigorated by the promise of a new academic term.

I’m heading in early to claim my favorite spot: the window table on the left side of the room. It’s a rectangular length dark wood table for two with the best view in class of endless sky, wildflowers, and looming black mountains.

Like I assumed, the classroom is empty, and the table unclaimed, waiting just for me.

I go over, set my things down, and open the window, letting the fresh air wash over me. Inhaling deep, I stretch out against the windowsill and let my mind drift.

This is paradise…

The sound of a squeaky door fills the classroom. I turn around to a dark shape motionless in the doorway.

“Sorry I’m late! I got so lost!” it yells.

“Pardon?” I ask, unable to see a face from where I’m sitting.

It steps inside. Closer.

It’s a… girl.

“Are you Instructor Inga?” She inquires of me.

“No.”

She peers around the class with a frown. Her eyes are bright and big… Strange. “So, I’m not late? It’s so quiet and empty in here.”

“Because you’re early.”

“Oh yeah!” She laughs and nods then looks down bashfully.

Not the brightest bulb. She’ll drop from class after the placement test.

I turn to my window.

“Ooh! What a great view!” She inches closer. “Mind if I sit? It’s my first day. I don’t know anyone—”

“Yes.”

What next, marriage? Why is she speaking to me?

“Cool. Thanks.”

She pulls the chair out.

I push it back in. Maybe too hard…

“Ow!” She jerks her crushed fingers off the chair. “What’s your problem?”

“Excuse me, when I said yes, my intent wasn’t for you to sit. I do mind…” I watch her rub her fingers. “And your injury was a casualty of your ignorance.” Her face falls as she stares at me. “I like to be alone. Do you understand?”

Instructor Inga arrives, followed by a student, then a flood of more. The aisles swell with people and chitchat as everyone settles in.

“Sorry to disturb you.”

She walks off, wedging through the crowd as Inga waves her over.

Off and on, I observe them talking. I try to see her face again, but her messy dark hair cloaks it from where I’m sitting.

She’s in the tiniest white shorts I’ve ever seen. Puzzling, since she’s wearing that oversized black hoodie. Probably hiding extra pounds in there.

“It’s open seating for now, but since you’re new, it may be better if you sat with…Oh! Emilian.”

Maybe not. Her legs are long and tan. By the look of her calves, she’s athletic.

Wait… What did Inga say?

“He’s over by that beautiful window. Mm, I can feel the sunny cool air from here… Emilian?”

Inga waves me down from the front of class.

“Yes, ma’am?” I think I heard her, perhaps she misspoke.

“This is Misa Honey.” Inga excitedly holds her hands out to her like she’s presenting a prize. “She just moved from Fortune. I was thinking you could give her a campus tour. She missed the official one and had trouble finding her other classes today.”

“N-no, that’s okay…” Misa protests.

“Oh please, I insist. Emilian is one of our top students. He’ll take good care of you.”

No I won’t.

Misa approaches. Our eyes meet. Hers are gray-blue and somber, lacking the brightness in them when she first arrived.

“Hi,” her voice is hushed.

Her hands shake as she takes off her lavender colored backpack and sits down. No surprise. Everyone quakes and melts into puddles when I’m around. Like Misa.

So why is she back?

“Is this some joke you and Inga are playing against me?” I ask, opening a new file in my notes. I write Misa’s name at the top, underlined twice.

“Huh?”

I write Unintelligent first.

“You’re back. I like to be alone. Inga knows I like to be alone, but here you are. Sitting.”

“I don’t under—” she sighs. “I’ll just leave…”

“Yes, you do that.”

I look ahead. Inga scowls when Misa gets up.

“Emilian, take Misa on the tour now.”

Seriously?

“Hm. Yes, ma’am.” I grumble and rise, remembering Misa will be gone for good after the placement test.

She doesn’t belong here.