Summer Cleaning

           Miles convinced Harold to hire a house cleaner. It wasn’t easy—when it came to spending money, Harold acted like he was a penniless pauper. However, Miles told Harold that having a housecleaner would give Harold the opportunity to interact with living humans, and practice his blossoming ghost skills.

            Miles had searched Amazon, EBay, and EBSCOHOST searching for information on how to be a ghost. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any luck. Fortunately, during his searches, he uncovered numerous books that he felt needed to be in his library, including the self help book, “I’m Ok, You’re Ok,” which he tried reading to Harold. Personally, Miles thought self-help books were ridiculous, but he was willing to purchase one in order to assist Harold. Of course, he insisted that the self-help book remain upstairs in Harold’s room, because Miles didn’t want it marring his beautiful bookcase, which was filling up with classics.

            Miles decided that he should utilize his interpersonal communication and cognitive therapy skills to assist Harold. Although Harold had yet to materialize clothing on his bony skeleton, Harold could materialize his form and was having better luck keeping his severed head on his shoulders.

            Part of Harold’s therapy included singing. Miles had always known that music, a powerful healing force, worked well with grief, depression, and anxiety. Much to Miles surprise, Harold had a lovely bass voice when he sang old time songs. Indeed, when Harold sang, his entire face appeared unscarred and unblemished.

            “Harold,” Miles said, sitting in front of his mini iPad, “I’m going to text Lenny and ask him for the names of some housecleaners, hmmm.”

            Harold rubbed his white skull. Crimson lips appeared on his bone frame.

            “Tell Lenny that you want an older woman. One that doesn’t talk too much. One that believes in ghosts.”

            “Harold, old man, I don’t think we should mention ghosts. We don’t want Lenny to become suspicious, hmmm. Here’s what I’ve sent him: Dear Lenny, I am looking for an older housekeeper to come in twice a month to do some basic cleaning, such as sweeping, mopping, and dusting. She needs to be quiet, understand that I am still suffering from my ailment, and can’t be seen. She must never go into the attic. Please forward me names and phone numbers.”

            “You should tell Lenny that I’m feeling better, but I still can’t be seen or heard.”

            “Of course, Harold,” Miles said, hitting send before adding another word.