The Visitor, Part 6

The Visitor

Merry Christmas

As the man arrived at the end of the driveway, Simon saw him lift his staff high, and then slam it onto the ground. Instantly, a glyph that looked like a capital "X" appeared above the doors of several houses. These houses, Simon would later say, were the same ones that had turned the strange man away on the previous day.

As soon as the symbol appeared, it is said, the marked homes burst into flames. Those who happened to be outdoors also burned, almost immediately turning into ashes. The entire area, save for the Kelso home, burned.

That same night, Priscilla retired to the bedroom which she had shared, for years, with Jonah. She was preparing to go to bed when she felt an odd sensation. Jonah then appeared and spoke to her.

The Visitor, Part 5

The Visitor

Merry Christmas

The man did not have to ask twice. He was quickly ushered into the house, and all the girls and women began to see to his needs. The men quickly introduced themselves, too, and the man was assured that he was welcome in the Kelso home. Not only would he be welcomed to something to eat and something to drink, but he would not be allowed to leave until he had eaten and drunk as much as he pleased. Lunch was soon approaching, he was told, and the family would not hear of him leaving until he had consumed whatsoever he pleased.

In the meantime, Mrs. Kelso noticed that the man's clothing, beneath the cloak, was not in good shape. It appeared to be in tatters. She and the Kelso girls huddled together and determined that the man (whose name had never been revealed) would not be allowed to leave their home until they could supply such clothing as he needed to survive out in the bitter cold. Thus, they gifted him with new and warm gloves. They also gave him warm undergarments and two toboggan hats. The man smiled at the gifts and professed to them that he was pleased with their generosity.

The Visitor, Part 4

The Visitor

Merry Christmas

The man was still walking down the street, being ignored by every home. Simon went inside and back out again. This time, the old man walking down the street knocked on a door and got an answer. It was evidently not a positive interaction, for he was turned away. He continued south, down the street.

When Simon made his last two trips, he saw the man being turned away from other homes. He went inside and deposited his family's offerings. He then told Mrs. Kelso, his mother, what he had seen. "It's not good to be out in the cold on such a holy day," said his mother. "If he knocks at our door, be sure to let me know."

As Mrs. Kelso more or less expected, a knock on the door came about 20 minutes later. She herself, cane in hand, answered the door. Before her stood a man in a hooded blue cloak. He seemed ancient, even though he moved like a younger man. He had a walking staff, and he wore an eye patch that covered his left eye.

"Good day, ma'am," said the man. "Could I trouble you for a drink of water and perhaps a bite to eat on this cold day?"

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The Visitor, Part 3

The Visitor

Merry Christmas

Years later, Mrs. Kelso could still recite the menu from that day. There were several turkeys and hams. There were rolls, homemade bread, cornbread, and pinto beans. There were all kinds of potatoes: Mashed potatoes, potato soup, fried potatoes, and potato salad. Other dishes were present as well. The family prepared green beans, more than one pan of dressing, salads, celery, and (naturally) cranberry sauce.

It was assured that every member of the family would be well pleased with the meal, especially the desserts. They had pies of all kinds: pecan, coconut, mincemeat, chocolate, cherry, and cheesecake. There was even peach and apple cobbler. The meal was delicious.

The meal was still in the preparatory stage when Simon Kelso, Jonah's oldest son, arrived with his family. It had just started to snow, so Mr. Kelso sent his children and wife inside so they would not have to endure the cold weather. He began to unload his family's contribution to the meal. Namely, a turkey and a ham, along with a huge roasting pan full of dressing.

As Simon began to carry the food inside his mother's home, he caught a glimpse of a man off to the north, walking down the street. Simon watched as the man knocked at the door of a home. The man received no answer, and so he began to head south to the next home. Simon quickly carried his food indoors and then went back outside.

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The Visitor, Part 2

The Visitor

Merry Christmas

The only problem the Kelso family had with Jonah was related to his wealth. He was something of a stock market "whiz," and he had an uncanny knack for success. He often advised his children and in-laws about the market, and they were typically successful too. It was well known that Jonah Kelso had made a fortune in the market, but no one could find any evidence of it. Whatever earnings he may have made (and he didn't reveal any) seemed to have disappeared along with him.

On Christmas Eve, the family conducted their celebration as they always had, sans, of course, Mr. Kelso. They had an evening dinner. They opened their presents. After their visit, some of the families returned home, as they always did. And, as we have said, some stayed the night at Mrs. Kelso's house.

The next day, the family assembled around 9 a.m. The ladies (and some of the gentlemen) brought various kinds of dishes, and they helped Mrs. Kelso finish her cooking. The atmosphere was convivial, and the entire family genuinely enjoyed being in the company of one another.

The fare that day was a traditional Christmas meal. The family was less than wealthy and therefore did not go into the main part of town where some restaurants were serving Christmas Day meals. They did their own cooking, and their homemade food was delicious.

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The Visitor, Part 1

The Visitor

Merry Christmas

It was the custom of the Kelso family to gather at the home of Priscilla Kelso, the family matriarch, on Christmas Eve. After a meal and celebrations, along with the exchanging of gifts, some of the family who lived locally would return home before returning the next day for Christmas lunch. Others, those from farther afield, always stayed the night at the home of Mrs. Kelso.

The Christmas festivities were notable that year because of the absence of the family patriarch, Jonah Kelso. Mr. Kelso passed away in February of that year, and he was greatly missed. He had been a kind soul in life, and the holidays would certainly be different without him.

Jonah Kelso had served as a deacon at Northern Heights Baptist Church. He had been active right up to the end of his life. He also volunteered at the local food bank, helping to box up items for needy families. Like his service to the church, Jonah worked at the food bank right up until the time of his passing. He never met a stranger, and he was always assisting the less fortunate in whatever way he could.

Mr. Kelso also volunteered at the local "soup kitchen," serving meals and doing whatever else he could do. He was always concerned with provisions for the soul and the body. On more than one occasion, he took people to the local market and purchased their groceries for them. He would even accept people into his home in order to share lunches and dinners with them. When he passed away at the age of 78, the family and community lost a pillar of generosity.

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The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth, Part 4

The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth

I don't know why, perhaps it was nostalgia, but I decided to take a look at the building before it was torn down. I drove through town and turned left to circle the old Dobbs City High School. I parked on the street beside the building and got out of my SUV.

I grabbed my phone and took a few pictures of the building. I was facing the north side of the school, the same side where Elizabeth had left that window unlocked so many years ago. I finished taking my pictures, and I headed out, back to my apartment on 1050 Street.

The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth, Part 3

The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth

We were both questioned. We were both released. We really didn't know what had happened, and had said as much. I'm not sure what happened in the minds of our interrogators, but after we were questioned, we were dismissed. I remember being annoyed that the lunch hour was almost over. I think we went out to get lunch anyway, not caring if we made it back in time for the next class or not. If there was a problem, the teachers could take it to the office as far as we were concerned.

At another time (random memory intruding here), the police brought drug-detecting dogs to examine school lockers. They also took the dogs to the student parking lots. From the second-floor window, I watched as a dog sniffed and circled my car. It circled my vehicle again. Then it did it again. They paid special attention to my car, but as I already knew, they found nothing. Drugs and I don't have anything to do with one another.

Later, the school's campus was remodeled. The old building was abandoned, and it was to be demolished and replaced with a new structure. In the meantime, classes were to be held in portable building-type classrooms. I had already graduated when I heard that news.

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The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth, Part 2

The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth

At one point, we stopped at a car wash to rinse and clean my car, which was muddy. The car wash was located just beside the school. I don't think it's there anymore.

Someone, to this day I know not who, saw us there at the car wash. From that point, we became suspects. We were there by the school. The school was vandalized. We must have been involved. So were the thoughts of the school's faculty.

The next day, around lunch time, I was summoned to the principal's office. I didn't know it at the time, but my friend was also called to the office. She later stated that, as she entered the office, she saw my cowboy boots sticking out from beyond another office door. She then realized that I was in the office as well.

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The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth, Part 1

The Residual Haunting of Elizabeth

Personal Journal of Izzy Kent

In high school, two guys (boys) entered the Dobbs High School building through an unlocked window on the bottom floor. The window had been left unlocked on purpose. One girl, whose name is now lost, left the window unlocked. I later heard that she had passed away. I vaguely remember that she had blonde hair. She was a bit on the chubby side, but quite beautiful. I wish I could remember more, but this happened years ago. I'm annoyed that I don't remember her name, but I think it might have been Elizabeth, like me. In fact, I'm almost positive that was her name. I'm going to research her later, for sure. The girl took her own life not long after she had unlocked that window.

Once the two students entered the school, they proceeded to vandalize the building. They destroyed what they could. They spray-painted the walls. They upturned desks and everything else they could find. If it could be damaged, they damaged it. Then, after dark, they exited the building.

On that same day, I was riding around with my friend in my old Chevy Nova. It was a 1979 model with two doors. My parents bought it for me. That car lasted forever.

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 13

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 13 - Tiffany Williamson: Epiphany

"Whatever you think is best, Dad. But watch this first." Tiffany closed her eyes and stood straight. "Mutatio," she uttered. Instantly, a blue light winked, as if coming from her chest. The light was blinding. When the flash was over, Dr. Williamson looked at his daughter. The pretty strawberry blonde with blue eyes was back.

"Amazing," said the doctor. "Get some sleep, young lady. You need to rest. Our work will always be there for us. No need to overdo it."

"Goodnight, Daddy."

"Goodnight, baby girl."

"Oh, can I get something to eat first? I'm starving."

"I'll get Pat's to deliver a large meat-lover's. Is that enough? Their delivery is fast."

"Yes, Dad. Thank you. I'll be in my room. Oh, I want more spaghetti and meatballs with the cheese on top of it all."

"Okay, I'll bring the food to your room when it gets here."

Dr. Williamson called the pizzeria, then spent a few moments finishing up with his newspaper. He marveled at how Tiffany looked like her mother. He then prepared to go to the parlor, where he would stay until Pat's rang the doorbell. His mind was far away. The girl bore a striking resemblance to her mother.  Sure, there was nothing wrong with her outward appearance...but would her behavior also change? Would she turn out to be like her mother? The thought troubled him as he turned on the porch light and prepared to receive the pizza delivery person.

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 12

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 12 - Tiffany Williamson: Epiphany

The doctor looked up from his notebook, and he was shocked at Tiffany's appearance. Gone was the strawberry blonde teen who fretted over her hairstyle and appearance. Present before him was a young woman who, if he had to guess, was probably around 25 years old. Her long hair was the same as her mother's, as was her general shape. The only difference he could see between mother and daughter was eye color. Tiffany's eyes were normally blue, like Zarqa's. Now they were black.

Williamson's adopted daughter was also dressed in clothing that he'd never seen before. He guessed that it came into existence during her transition. She wore a plain black skirt, black boots, and a loosely laced corset that, in his opinion, was a little too revealing. He then remembered that female ghouls were described as being seductresses. Her dress and even her voice would captivate any man, and if he met her as an enemy, he would be in danger of losing his life.

Tiffany spoke, "I think, if you read the words with intent, it can change your appearance from one form to another. My appearance is still human. I'm not a fully formed ghoul. The rest of the text will reveal even more, no doubt. It will need to be tested when I figure it out. If that's okay?"

"You're lovely," said the doctor. "You remind me very much of your mother. We'll keep the scrolls here for a few days. If we need to test anything, we'll be able to use one of the new labs in 3820's basement. Tomorrow, some of us will have a staff meeting. After that meeting, I will make sure that you have a seat at the table."

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 11

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 11 - Tiffany Williamson: Epiphany

Tiffany Williamson sat at the desk in her room and opened the manila folder, which held the writings that were somehow connected to her mother. The scrolls were more like pages than actual scrolls. They weren't rolled up. They were somewhat stiff, and the words seemed to be painted on them.

Once, at an art show, Tiffany had purchased a picture that featured a pseudo-ancient Egyptian theme from The Book of the Dead. The artwork was painted on papyrus. The material that she now had before her looked the same.

On a yellow piece of notepaper, the girl saw the verse that her father and Priyanka Bhat had translated. She was almost afraid to read the text, and she would never say it aloud, but she finally read the words.

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 10

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 10 - Tiffany Williamson: Later in the Evening

"These," said Williamson," are highly classified scrolls that were found in the same cave in which your mother and you were found. We have translated precious little of the text recorded herein. It's prose and also poetic in nature, just like the two Eddas that you like so much from Norse mythology. I'm hoping that, by virtue of who you are, you can make some sense of it.

"What do you want me to do?" asked Tiffany.

"Take the writings somewhere where you will be comfortable. Your room, for instance. Study what is written. Let's see what happens. You can let me know tomorrow if you've discovered anything. And remember, one verse is already translated."

"Okay," said Tiffany. "Sounds simple enough, and I'm ready to get started. Thank you for telling me about my birth mother, Dad. I'm going to go upstairs now and get ready for bed."

"Goodnight," said Dr. Williamson.

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 9

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 9 - Tiffany Williamson: Later in the Evening

The doctor's SUV turned into the driveway of the home commonly known as the "Dobbs Mansion." The director and Tiffany exited the vehicle and went inside.

"Come to the living room when you get comfortable. I have something to share with you."

"Okay, Dad," said the girl. Tiffany went upstairs to her room and changed out of her school clothes. They were somewhat more formal than her preferred dress. She quickly changed into her street clothes and then joined her father in the living room.

"Have a seat, young lady," said the doctor. "As I said, I have something to show you." He produced a briefcase, which was locked. He took out a small key and opened the case.

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 8

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 8 - Tiffany Williamson

"I suppose we could have gone to Jim's," said the doctor, referring to Jim's Steakhouse, which both he and Tiffany enjoyed. "The wine is certainly good. But Pat's is always delicious."

"It's very good," said Tiffany. "I never get tired of it, and I'm friends with almost everyone who works here. I also enjoy the taste of the wine at Jim's, though it seems like I'm not easily affected by it."

"That's one of many unique things about you, my girl. In crude terms, you can outdrink anyone. I imagine it's because of your ancestry. When we get done here, we'll go home. I've already told you what I can about your ancestry. But I have something else to show you when we get home."

"Sounds like a plan," said Tiffany. Just then, Jenna appeared with their order. She set up a small table beside their booth and unloaded it. There was delicious pizza, spaghetti, and fries. "Let's eat!" said Tiffany.

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 7

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 7 - Tiffany Williamson

Robert Williamson and his daughter arrived at Pat's Pizzeria. A light rain was falling, and the sky seemed to threaten the continuation of a thunderstorm that started the previous night. Fortunately, the pair made it into the restaurant before anything more than light rain could begin.

Doctor Williamson and Tiffany were shown to the booth where they usually sat. Pat's Pizzeria featured a fairly large dining area. The room was almost totally wrapped by tinted windows, and there were large family-sized tables in the center of the room. The booths were situated next to the walls. The decor was a somewhat garish burgundy color, but fairly new and quite serviceable. Father and daughter could look out the south window and gaze almost directly at the Dobbs Institute, which was a little more than one block across the street.

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 6

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 6 - Franklin Kent

"I'll be damned," said Franklin. "Hiding in plain sight. It's her."

"What's wrong, bruh?" asked Carl. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Remember when I told you about my brother Mikey's disappearance? I always suspected that my stepmother and my sister had something to do with it."

"Sure," said Carl, as he looked at the attractive woman on the TV. "So who's the hot girl?"

"That's my half-sister. That bitch and her mother did something to my brother and they got away with it. I haven't seen her in years, and now I know right where she is."

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3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 5

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 5 - Franklin Kent

Carl Hayes and Franklin Kent were enjoying some hot pizza and beer in Carl's living room. It was Sunday night, and the two longtime friends had a tradition where they would meet up at one another's house every Sunday evening, before the work week started, and eat fast food. Sometimes pizza, and sometimes burgers. Fried chicken on occasion, or Chinese, but usually pizza. They always knocked back a 12-pack of beer, too, whatever was on sale - and they watched Sci-Fi or action movies until it was time for one of them to go home so they could both rest up for the remainder of the night. Neither of them had much taste for horror movies - too many jump scares, but both loved science fiction. Both men had jobs, so they were careful not to overdo it when it came to their festivities. It was just something to do before the long work week kicked off.

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Page 4

Chapter 4 - 3820

3820: Chapter Four: It Begins Again, Part 4 - Aaron McKinsley

At 7:00 a.m., Aaron cranked his truck and headed deeper into Dobbs City. He made his way to Building 3820. When he arrived, he had to wait another hour for someone to come and unlock the building. He entered and began to carry out his duties.

The elevators weren't working yet. Aaron sighed and began to climb the stairs. When he got to the fourth floor, the stairs ended. Not good, because he needed to examine the infrastructure that was on the top floor. The elevator would have taken him up to the top. For now, all he could see was a service ladder. He hoped that he wouldn't have to carry very many tools up that narrow ladder. He climbed to the top.