The dead typically want one of two things. Ghosts crave conversation. Spirits seek pain. My name is Bria, and I've been able to interact with the dead for as long as I can remember. Communicating with the deceased might sound like a cool gift, but let me assure you, it's not. Ghosts don't shut up, and not all specters are friendly. In fact, most of them are dangerous. Pretending the paranormal doesn't exist is far easier than talking to the shadows, so I've been avoiding the dead for years. Past experiences have led me to avoid the living too. And for a long time, I've successfully kept my distance. Until a single ghost encounter in the library ruins everything. Now a couple of my classmates know my secret. But as it turns out, they have a deadly secret of their own. Time to talk to the shadows again. _______________ This story contains profanity and violence. [ONC 2021 Shortlister]