The Wraith – Bonita

 

 

How I hated this school when I first arrived! Rather ironic, since I later came to be the headmistress…

 

I spent the first years of my life in an orphanage. It was one of the better ones, fortunately, and I have no bad memories of it. I came to the attention of the adults when I showed above average intelligence in playing with the other children. I learned to read at age 4. I showed I could do simple math soon after that. They began to tutor me as best they could with the resources they had. When potential adoptive/foster parents came to visit the orphanage, they would always bring me out hoping to place me with someone who could encourage my mind. There were no takers. I don’t know why.

 

Eventually the orphanage managed to scrape up enough money to enroll me in this school. It was understood that I could remain at the school as long as I showed ability to progress with my studies. If I started to lag, then I was to leave unless more money was provided. I knew this was my only chance. But I hated being there as a “charity” case. The other students let me know what they thought about my second hand uniforms.

 

I quickly excelled in all subjects, which furthered the distance between me and the other students. I finally stopped caring that I was friendless. The teachers were strict, but not cold in demeanor. I later discovered that whenever I needed another uniform, or other items of clothing, there was always something that was available to me. I was told it was second hand, left by departing students, but many of the things seemed brand new. I found it interesting that these “departing students” always wore the same size as me…even shoes.

 

The years went by. The students came and went. I remained. My education continued through the generosity of the teachers and small grants. I eventually passed the exams to become a teacher myself. I now had enough money to pay for my own clothing and personal items. My first trip into town was when I was 20 and ready to start teaching. My only trips there were for necessities. I preferred to stay at the school.

 

More years went by. More students came and went. I still remained. I became headmistress at the age of 40. At age 50 enrollment dropped and parts of the school were closed off. When I was 60 the school was no longer supporting itself and more rooms were closed off. Too many repairs needed and not enough money. I spent my 70^th birthday in my office, looking out the window at the empty grounds. The classrooms were empty. The dorms were empty. I was empty. I had come to love this place. I knew from my last visit with the doctor that my heart was giving out. I stopped taking my medication. I truly don’t know when I died, but I am at peace.

 

I remain.

 

The Wraith – Josephine

 This was my favorite room in our house. My parents were very wealthy and generous to me. It was in this room they held a ball for me when I turned 16. It was a magical night. So many people! Wonderful music! Lots of handsome young men to dance with! I had my first kiss with Jameson Watson, when he led me out to the patio by the east lawn. And there were many more kisses from him as time went on…

 

When I was 18, Jameson asked Daddy for my hand in marriage in this very room. We were celebrating my graduation from Miss V. Sander’s finishing school. We were to marry in 2 years’ time when Jameson came into his inheritance. We decided to hold the wedding reception in this room. So many things to look forward to…

 

When Jameson died in a fall from his horse while fox hunting a year later, I was inconsolable. Mama said I was suffering from nervous exhaustion and should go to Europe for a rest cure, but I knew that would not help. A traveling doctor sold them a tonic that he claimed would set my mind to rights. Daddy bought the doctor’s entire stock and Mama was very diligent in seeing that I had my tonic with every meal. I spent most of my time in this room laying on my favorite chaise in a daze. Time meant nothing…

 

When the tonic ran out, a year and a half had gone by, of which I remember very little. My parents tried to interest me in seeing other men, holding a lot of dances here for me, but they were of no interest to me anymore. I still loved this room though…

 

The years went by and I occupied myself with gardening and looking after Mama and Daddy. When Daddy’s bank went bust, he sold all of the property except for the piece where this house stood. Times became difficult. More and more of the furniture was sold. Mama became ill and died. Daddy wandered through the house as if he was looking for Mama. Eventually, he and I were mostly living in this room. We had my favorite chaise and his easy chair by the fireplace at the other end. They were quite worn out, but then, so were we…

 

After Daddy died, I was the one wandering through the house. I found a dusty box behind the pantry and it was filled with bottles of my tonic. That helped my days go by easier. I knew now what the tonic was, and that it was no miracle cure, but I found it a comfort…

 

I have the last 4 bottles now and am determined to finish them all this night. I suspect what this will do to me, but I no longer care…I’ve lived in this room for a long time and dying in this room is a comforting thought…

 

…Jameson!! I’m here!!

 

 

The Wraith – Esmé

 

I was born here. It was a home for unwed mothers. My mother died giving birth to me and I was named Esmé after Matron’s favorite cat. No other relatives could be found that could take me in, so I was allowed to stay here. I grew up learning how to care for pregnant women, most of whom had no place to go when they were kicked out by parents or relatives because of “the shame” of their condition.

 

It was a hard life, but one that seemed to suit me. There were many babies that died and almost as many mothers that died. Some mothers left with their babies. Some left in the middle of the night and Matron did her best to find a home for the baby left behind.

 

There was never enough food, clothing or medical supplies. The town did not want the place to exist so close to “decent folk.” There was always talk of shutting it down, but no one wanted to take the responsibility or expense of sending the residents elsewhere.

 

After Matron died, I was in charge entirely. No more women came here for refuge. After the last woman here gave birth, both mother and child died. I was alone. I was told that I could no longer live there and must move.

 

I packed what few personal things I had, not knowing where I was going or what would happen to me. I was taking my bag down the main stairs when I tripped on the worn carpeting at the top and fell headlong. I died instantly. I saw my body on the floor and knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere now.

 

In time, my body was removed and the place was abandoned. No one wanted the place. It fell into disrepair, but it was the only home I’d ever known, so I stayed. I enjoy the peace and quiet. The only thing I fear is fire. If my house burns, I will truly be homeless.