The Ghost And The Bath
Ken shuddered as the bath water cooled on his hands. Staring at the lifeless eyes before him he felt a sudden tinge of sadness. His wife Eliza still submerged in the water seemed to look back at him. How many times had he warned her of taking her prescription tablets if she was going to bathe as they caused drowsiness.
After trying in vain to revive her he had just sat in silence,
his fingers skimming the water and stroking her beautiful long blonde hair. The water, now freezing cold had made his hand numb.
Coming to his senses Ken rose to his feet and dialled 999, informing the police that he had found his wife drowned in the bathtub.
After saying goodbye to her as she was finally laid to rest he broke down and became distant. Brushing his teeth he couldn’t help looking at the bathtub and remembering the night he had come home and found her. Sobbing uncontrollably he knelt down with arms hoisted over the bath for support. “Why did you have to leave me?” “It was my time” replied a calm, almost angelic voice.
Because of his anguish Eliza had seen it necessary to return to the mortal realm and assure him that even though she was no longer with him that she was somewhere peaceful, warm and safe and that he would see her again in the afterlife.
Somewhat comforted by her words he sobbed “But I cannot live without you.” Give it time my sweet husband” she replied “I had the most wonderful life with you and you made me extremely happy but I want you to promise me that you will be happy and perhaps even love again as I cannot stand the thought of you being alone”.
Perking up slightly Ken smiled at her warmly and assured her that while not ready yet he might someday be able to love again.
Bidding him a fond farewell and blowing a kiss as her ethereal form vanished from sight Eliza returned to the spirit world leaving behind a beautiful scent of jasmine and roses that began engulfing the room. Upon reaching the bathtub the faucet turned to pure gold and the bath to a beautiful marble finish. Everything the scent touched it transformed the item into something more elegant.
“If you need to be near me then all you need to do is bathe.” Eliza’s voice echoed sweetly on the breeze from the open window.
Whenever Ken felt unbearable anguish over his loss he bathed in the tub as Eliza had suggested and as he drifted off into a slumber he was with her again and they were running barefoot through a stream in a wonderful and lush forest. All the while Eliza watched him as he slept in the tub to ensure he did not drown.
Years passed and eventually the pain of losing Eliza became less unbearable as every time he needed to feel close to her he merely drifted off in the tub.
Eventually meeting someone else though reluctant initially to date Ken managed to move forward with his life and fall in love again.
Eliza smiled down from above and realising she had helped him find peace she gave a satisfied sigh and proceeded towards the light.
