Maggie's Walk Home

Home grew boring for Maggie one night as so she decided to take herself down to the theater on Main Street and see a movie. It was something she did once or twice a month, and it was always pleasant.

It was dark by the time the movie was over, and the stars were coming out as she left the theater. But this didn’t bother Maggie a bit. It was often dark when she walked home. And it was only a short walk.

Maggie hadn’t gone far from the theater when she found herself falling in step beside a young girl that appeared to be just her age. At least, that’s what Maggie assumed, because her companion was wearing a hoodie, and the hood was pulled up over it’s owners face.
Maggie was not a fan of silence, and so after they’d been walking side by side for a few moments, she said, “It’s a lonely evening for a walk.”

“I would rather be home,” the other girl said. “I left my friend’s home later than I planned, and no one could take me home.”
“Where do you live?” Maggie asked.
“Harper Street,” the girl replied. “My name is Beth, by the way.”
“Well, Beth, I walk past Harper Street on my way home. We can walk together if you’d like.”
“I’d like that,” Beth said, but still she stayed behind her hood. Maggie found this strange, but she’d been raised not to ask impolite questions.

When Beth remained silent, Maggie said, “I’ve been downtown to see a movie. It was very good. A horror movie.”
“What sort of horror movie?” Beth asked.
“One about a haunted house. It was actually a remake of an old Vincent Price film. I saw the original too. They were both very good. There was more blood in this one.”
“You like all that violent stuff.” Beth asked.
“Yeah,” Maggie said. “It’s fun to be scared when you know all the danger is just pretend. You just have to remember that the killers are really just actors and special effects.”
“I suppose,” Beth said, then she shivered. “I’m sorry. I’m as cold as the grave tonight.”
“It’s alright,” Maggie said.
It was only a few moments later that Beth turned into a driveway and said, “This is my place. Thank you for walking me home.”
She pulled her hood away from her face and smiled. “Maybe we can go watch a movie together sometime?”
“Perhaps,” Maggie said, “I go often.”
“I hope you don’t have to walk past the cemetery to get home,” Beth said. “I’ve heard there are ghosts there.”
Maggie smiled a little, and said, “I’ve heard that, too. It used to scare me, but not anymore. I hope to see you again. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” Beth said with a smile, and went inside.
Maggie walked along by herself.
“What a jumpy girl,” Maggie said to herself.
She walked through the cemetery gate, and made her way to her mausoleum.
“The living spend too much time worrying about the dead,” Maggie said with a chuckle and went inside......