The Fourth Year Chapter 1

Four years after I died, my grandmother rummaged through my old things, found my dead cell phone, and somehow managed to call Julian.

"Sarah, it’s been four whole years, and you finally remember to call me?" Julian’s voice was dripping with venom. "What? Did your sugar daddy run out of money? If you’re broke, go sell yourself on the street. Don’t come crying to me."

He didn't stop there. "Let me make this clear. I don't want to see you for a single second. I’d rather be dead."

On this end of the line, Grandma froze. Her hunched back looked incredibly lonely in the empty living room.

She held the phone with trembling hands and asked carefully, "Julian? Did you and Sarah have a fight? I... I can’t find Sarah."

After she spoke, her cloudy eyes stared blankly into the empty room. Then, as if a memory briefly flickered, she murmured to herself, "Oh, that’s right. Sarah died. She’s gone. How did I forget again..."

* * *

maybe it was because I couldn't let go of Grandma, but after I died, my soul stayed by her side.

Unfortunately, Grandma had Alzheimer's. She often forgot that I was dead.

Today, she had another episode. She wandered out to the park alone and forgot the way home. The stubborn little old lady sat on a bench, muttering to herself, "It doesn't matter if I’m lost. When Sarah sees I’m not home, she’ll definitely come find me."

My ghost was hovering right next to her.

She wasn’t even far from our apartment, but because she couldn't hear me, I couldn't guide her. As the sun began to set, I started panicking, floating around frantically. She was nearly eighty; if she spent the night in the park, she wouldn't make it.

Luckily, Grandma seemed to realize this too. Seeing the park empty out, she finally stood up. She grabbed the first person she saw. "Have you seen my granddaughter, Sarah?"

I knew the drill. Usually, people would chat with her, realize she was confused, and call the police. Once the cops came, she’d be safe.

Unfortunately, she grabbed the wrong person.

She grabbed Julian.

Julian looked down at Grandma, his tone laced with impatience. "Where is Sarah? Why are you out here alone? It’s late. If she’s leaving an old woman alone in a park, she’s probably out with..."