So ghosts could feel pain after all.
It finally hit me.
They never loved me. Even now that I was dead, they couldn't think of a single good thing about me.
Herbert shoveled rice into his mouth, pausing every few bites to wheedle and charm Mom and Dad. Laughter rose from the table, easy and warm, the three of them together.
I watched their happy little family and understood: without me was when they were happiest.
After dinner, Grandma cleared the table, wiped the water from her hands, and turned to head back to her room.
Herbert grabbed her hand. "Grandma, I want you to come with us."
Grandma's eyes glistened. She stroked Herbert's head.
"Be good. You all go have fun. Grandma will stay home."
Herbert looked at Mom with a pout. "Mom, if Grandma doesn't go, I'm not going either."
Mom and Dad couldn't help but laugh.
"Fine, we'll all go."
From start to finish, everyone was perfectly in sync.
No one mentioned me. No one suggested going out to look for me.
Why isn't Kate home yet?
What if something happened to her?
Nobody asked. As if I had never been part of this family at all.
They opened the door, and I followed them into the car.