The Monsters of the Mind

Epilogue (Version 1): Twilight

The chill settled into the room like frost forming on the window panes - even though I had wrapped up in a heavy sweater due to the cold that was slowly crawling in off the oceanside in my new home town.

The man who sat before me fiddled with the pages of paper I had brought in, grey eyes scanning the pages as they sparked with interest.

"When my wife told me about you, I wasn't sure what to expect," he turned his attention back to me, a smile slowly spreading across his features, "but I can clearly see why she is invested in my company publishing your works. This seems quite promising."

"Thank you, Mr. Cesari," I responded.

"And you have graduated from university in Liverpool as well, I see," the man continued, "but, not interested in office work?"

"That's why I write," I answered honestly, "Some stories just need to be told, as a way to learn from the past or to escape the present - or maybe even learn about what could happen in the future."

"Well, you certainly show a lot of interest in what you write about," Mr. Cesari chuckled, closing the folder, "I'll take it up with my publishers and see what we can do. However, I'm curious, is this story based on real events?"

"Some were real."

"The talking ghosts weren't real, but the deaths are, I take it?"

I bit my lip before nodding, "Yes sir."

"Alright then," he stood from behind his desk, holding out his hand, "I'll get in touch with my workers and we'll see where this road takes us."

"I appreciate everything you've done for me, Mr. Cesari," I took his hand giving it a solid shake, "I do hope that the others are as impressed as you are."

The chuckle the publisher gave out stabbed at my heart - it reminded me too much of Harvey, "Don't you worry about a thing now, Miss Martin. I can't see them saying 'no,' and even if they did, I'll publish the book myself - and not just as a thanks for what you've done to help my wife. I'll be forever in your debt for that."

"I just did as any sensible person would've done, Mr. Cesari," I answered honestly.

"Perhaps, but there seems to be a shortage of those kinds of people these days. It does make me wonder though - what kind of person would treat another individual with such kindness before turning around and attacking them? What kind of person does that?"

'Oh, wouldn't we know the answer to that?' my mind replied.

***

Sea View was just as dreary as when I had left this morning. The overcast sky made the unseasonable chill even colder, forcing some more of the elder members of my newfound small community indoors. They had been forecasting rain all day, perhaps now was as good a time as any.

I stopped off at Millie's diner for lunch, the familiar voices of the staff and regulars resounding through the small space.

"Kylie!" Reggie - the head cook and owner - called me over, "Come on in outta the cold, girlie!"

I smiled and approached the counter, taking up my usual spot and ordering my usual from Maggie - the young girl whisking away into the kitchen to prepare my order.

"Well?" Reggie asked, pouring us both a steaming cup of coffee, "What's the verdict?"

"The company is going to look at the story," I explained, taking a sip of the dark brew, "If they think it's sellable, they'll publish it."

"Well, they should! Everyone within a hundred mile radius should know about what happened," he looked at me apologetically, "I know it was hard for you - and we can all rest easy now that the Hall family curse is over."