Ghost

When Sarah looked behind her, she smiled at the tall, slender, muscly man leaning casually against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, his ankles crossed as he watched her. Seeing her looking at him, a smile spread cross his lips and he waved.

Feeling reassured, Sarah looked ahead again and went on. She was still nervous, you always were with new things like this, but a burst of confidence shot through her knowing her Uncle Mike was standing there, watching her.
As doubt swept over her, she looked back to see him still there. He waved back at her, his smile wider. 'Go on Sarah,' he seemed to be saying, 'you can do it.'

"Well, here goes nothing." She sighed, breathing deeply as she looked up at the building she'd call her high school for the next six years. Glancing behind her one last time, Sarah headed inside.

Sitting alone outside during the lunch hour, Sarah couldn't help but remember what had happened last year. She remembered them telling her. Not believing. They were lying. They had to have been. He couldn't be gone. Not Uncle Mike. Anyone but Uncle Mike.

Then, the sea of black, the weather reflecting how she'd felt as the rain pelted down on them. She remembered the flowers, people taking turns to throw their one down. The picture of him on top of the chest. Laughing, happy. Alive. The dirt being shoveled on top of the chest as it lay there deep in the ground. Then everyone walking away as if that was it. It was done.

It was hard for her family, she knew, but she would never forget him. Not as long as she lived, and now, she could feel him with her almost. He was there somehow. He was watching.

She saw him again, hidden by the bushes and she went to him.
"Hello Uncle." She whispered.
"Hello Sarah."
"I wish you were really here."
"I know." He said. "But I can't be. You know that."
She nodded. "But I'll always wish."
"Don't Sarah." He begged. "Please, don't hold onto me that much. You need to move on. You need to let me go."
Sarah blinked back the tears, unable to believe what her uncle was saying. She stood silently, thinking for a long moment.
Finally, she nodded. "Now I see it clearly."
Uncle Mike smiled, pleased.
"You need to move on." She said as a tear trailed down her face. Hastily, she wiped it away.
Again, Uncle Mike nodded.
"So rest in peace." She said. "I'll see you on the other side."
"Not until you're old and grey alright?" Uncle Mike laughed.

Sarah stepped back and watched as he slowly faded away. She smiled fondly. One last piece of Uncle Mike humor. But she'd always have the memories.
And then, he was gone, vanished like a vapor. He'd disappeared right in front of her eyes. But she smiled anyway. She knew she'd see him again, someday, and until then, he'd watch over her. Just like he'd been doing.