Episode 4: The Missing Days

Two days had passed since countdown, and the boys were no closer to uncovering the truth. Lily's memories of her last days still were missing. Meetings at each other’s houses after school, poring over maps of Petruel and studying places Lily had frequented, still they hadn’t made much progress. They mapped out her town, identifying key locations—her home, favorite spots, and potential places to stay during their visit.

It was Paul who suggested the boldest plan. He wanted to go directly to Lily’s parents, introduce themselves as kids who could contact their daughter’s spirit (no need to tell them how), and—with their help—figure out where her body was.

“For me, it’s the most straightforward, and less time consuming option, ” Paul explained one evening, his tone was calm, practical, and maybe a little too detached.

But Nathan shook his head, looking horrified at the idea. “We can’t just show up at their house and tell them their daughter’s dead! That’s... it’s too cruel.”

Travis, who had been quietly listening, looked equally uneasy. “Yeah, I don’t think I could do that. It’s... not right.”

Paul sighed, recognizing their discomfort. “Okay, fine. How about this—we go to their house, but we don’t mention anything about her being a ghost. We’ll just introduce ourselves as her friends from school. If we get inside, maybe Lily will remember something. It’s less direct, but it might work.”

Nathan and Travis exchanged glances, both still uneasy but relieved that Paul had suggested a softer approach. They agreed this was the best way forward—for now.

***

It was their last day of school before the break. At the usual spot during recess, Nathan and Paul sat on a bench. Nathan was sketching absentmindedly in his notebook, while Paul read a book, deeply focused. The quiet was broken by the fast footsteps of Travis, who approached with his usual hurried gait, muttering something under his breath.

Without warning, he threw himself onto the bench, his expression exasperated. “I don’t like your girlfriend, Foust,” Travis grumbled, folding his arms dramatically.

Nathan, not looking up from his sketch, replied flatly, “She’s not my girlfriend, Yermen.”

A mischievous grin spread across Travis’s face as he leaned in, nudging Nathan playfully with his shoulder. “You wish she was.”

Nathan shot him an annoyed look. “Shut up.”

Paul, not bothering to look up from his book, chimed in dryly, “Don’t be silly, Travis. Lily’s dead. How could she be anyone’s girlfriend?”

Nathan’s patience snapped. “Shut up!” He stood abruptly, without another word, he stormed off, leaving both Travis and Paul sitting in stunned silence.

Travis blinked, confused. “What’s his problem?”

Paul shook his head. “No idea.”

Travis let out a frustrated sigh and began ranting, “I’m serious, though—Lily’s driving me nuts! Like, yesterday when we were at my place, I brought three glasses of juice for us. She got mad that I didn’t bring her one too and made me get up to pour her a glass! She’s a ghost—she can’t even drink!”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Paul flipped a page in his book and responded calmly, “She’s part of the group now, even if she’s a ghost. And girls like that kind of stuff—feeling included.”

“Included my ass! She’s dead! Also she's ruining my reputation! She keeps sneaking up on me at school, scaring the crap out of me. People are starting to think I’m losing it because I keep freaking out at nothing!”

Paul smirked at that. “I think she finds amusing that you're scared of her.”

“I’m not scared of her,” Travis protested, crossing his arms defensively. “But why does she even come to school? It's annoying.”

Travis continued to rant, “And just now, she came up to me and started mouthing something. I thought it was important, so I asked her to repeat it, but all she said was that my haircut sucks! That girl doesn’t even know how insecure I am about my curly hair! Say, Curgan, does it really suck?” He ran a hand through his hair, waiting for the answer.

Paul glanced at him, still amused, “You look fine, man. She’s probably just teasing you.”

Travis furrowed his brow. “Doesn’t she ever get on your nerves?”

Paul returned his eyes to his book, a faint smile on his lips. “I have four Lilies at home, Travis. I’m immune to that kind of thing.”

Travis groaned, leaning back on the bench. “I’m so glad I don’t have sisters.”

Paul chuckled. “My older sister treats me like a prince, though. It’s got its perks.”

Travis, curious now, peered over at Paul’s book. “What are you reading, anyway?”

Paul’s tone was completely casual. “A book on exorcisms.”

Travis’s eyes went wide. “Why?”

Paul turned another page. “Just in case we run out of time and Lily turns into a vengeful spirit.”

Travis’s mouth dropped open. “That’s the most heartless thing I’ve ever heard... You hypocrite! Didn’t you just say she’s our friend now?”

Paul looked at him, his expression turning darker as a cold smile crept across his face. “Yeah, well, let’s see what you say when vengeful-spirit Lily visits you in the middle of the night and strangles you in your sleep.”

Travis paled, his bravado faltering. “Not funny.”

Paul’s grin widened, “Who said I was joking?”

The humor drained from Travis’s face, and he stared at Paul, horrified. “Take it back.”

Paul closed his book, stood up, and with a playful smirk, tossed over his shoulder, “Not a chance.”

***

Nathan walked into an empty classroom. He expected to find some solitude, but as he stepped inside, his heart skipped a beat. Lily was sitting at his desk.

When she saw him standing there, a wide smile stretched on her face, she extended her hand towards him. Nathan approached her to hand his sketchbook, which she eagerly took. Flipping through the pages, Lily smiled even wider, admiring the new drawings Nathan had been working on.

He hesitated, then sat down next to her, his voice soft and unsure. “You know… I saw you. When... you were alive.”

Lily’s expression shifted, surprise flickering in her eyes. She tilted her head in curiosity.

Nathan continued, “Last year, I was in Petruel for a competition. You were there, too. I remember seeing you in the lobby where we were all waiting.”

Lily’s eyes widened in recognition, and she quickly grabbed a pencil. She scribbled on a blank page, then handed it back to him.

Nathan read aloud, “Yes. There was an art exhibition last year. I was invited to play piano for the guests.”

His heart sank as he realized that he hadn’t stayed long enough to see her perform. He’d left early, for reasons he couldn’t even remember now. He looked at her with a gentle smile, his voice quiet. “Piano? That suits you.”

“Do you still remember how to play?” Nathan asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Lily nodded enthusiastically.

Nathan stood up, a sudden idea sparking in his mind. “Come with me.”

He led her to the third floor of the school, where the music room was located. Thankfully, it was unlocked. Inside, there was a grand piano in the center of the room. Nathan lifted the lid, gesturing to Lily with a soft smile.

Her face lit up with excitement as she sat down at the piano, her fingers hovering above the keys. She looked at Nathan, and he nodded, encouraging her. Slowly, Lily’s fingers began to move, and a beautiful, melancholic melody filled the room. Nathan watched her in awe.

But then, as the song came to an end, Lily’s hands fell away from the keys. Nathan noticed her expression had changed. The joy had disappeared, replaced by a look of profound sadness. Tears welled up in her eyes, and soon they spilled down her pale cheeks.

Nathan’s heart clenched. He knew why she was crying. He knew all too well.

“Lily Gaunth,” he thought to himself. “Twelve years old. A gifted pianist. She loves art, flowers, maybe math… I noticed her coming to my class if it's math. Noticed when she got bored she braids her golden locks. She's cute. Energetic. Playful. Our personalities are complete opposites. I wonder, what are her hobbies. Her favorite color. Favorite ice cream flavor. I wonder, what she could have been. A pianist? A florist? A math teacher maybe? Her future would have been bright. So bright.”

Nathan’s eyes brimmed with tears. Unable to hold back his emotions, Nathan wiped his tears and whispered, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have brought you here. I’m so sorry, Lily.”

They sat there in silence, both overwhelmed by the weight of everything they could never change.

***

That evening, the boys gathered in Nathan’s room. Tomorrow, they would begin their journey to Petruel. The mood was somber but determined; the weight of the task ahead hung over them like a heavy cloud.

Travis, sitting cross-legged on the floor, broke the silence. “Hey... What are we going to tell our parents? I mean, what can we say?”

Paul slapped his forehead as if he’d just remembered something important. “Oh, I forgot to mention—I’ve got that covered. My older sister Amelia is coming with us. She’s gonna act like she’s taking us on a trip. That’s our excuse for the trip, so you can tell your parents we’re just going on a normal holiday with a responsible adult.”

Travis shot up from the floor, his face bright with excitement. “Paul, your sister is the best!”

Paul grinned. “Yeah, and we won’t have to take the bus either. She’s driving us in her car.”

Travis practically danced around the room. “Oh yeah!”

As the day came to an end, all three boys knew their lives were about to change.

***

To be continued...