All Hope Lost

by Samantha Dorrell

  Reply One:

  I am shocked and appalled that anyone has the audacity to make such a thing up!

  KarmaK

  Reply Two:

  This is a very disturbing post. I hope the Moderators are seeing this and do something about it.

  Torment.

  Reply Three:

  F’kin stupid, whoever wrote this. No one would ever believe such crap.

  Gareth1971

  Reply Four:

  So is this Sharon lady really dead? Is this her account?

  Megs

  Reply Five:

  I just Googled her and yes she is. But anyone could have found that out and hax this account.

  Panda (Moderator)

  Reply Six:

  Seems a bit weird tho, if the hax person wrote this, how would they know about our issues?

  Rio23

  Reply Seven:

  It’s a public forum remember. Anyone can access these posts. It would be simple.

  Panda

  Reply Eight:

  Ok hax idiot. Prove to me that you are Sharon, and that you are dead!

  Megs

  Reply Nine:

  Yes we want proof. If we don’t get it, I will close this account down.

  Panda (Moderator)

  The replies continued, some asking for proof, others just brushing it off as a hoax. I had had a feeling my post was going to be a long shot, but I could still prove to them I was dead. My new training to hone my abilities would do well here. I decided that the first person I would have to convince was the Moderator to the forums, Panda. If I couldn’t convince her, then my account would be closed. Although that wouldn’t stop me from being able to read the other posts, I didn’t want to leave. Not yet anyway.

  I quickly wrote a reply myself:

  I will prove to you that all I say is true. My first visit will be to Panda, then Megs, then Torment, as I have helped you already.

  SHart25

  Thinking about Panda, I was loath to frighten the woman. She was an older lady, and I knew I would have to be careful with her. After all, seeing or hearing a dead person was likely to send someone crazy, as my own neighbours had found out. This would be a delicate operation.

  I poured myself in to the laptop and found the line to Panda’s home, grabbing it and letting it do the work for me. I loved this mode of transport. It seemed that no matter where in the country, or even the world someone was, it all took a similar amount of time to get from A to B. I hopped out the other end to find myself once again in Panda’s living area. Not much had appeared to have changed since my last visit. The sofa was currently being slept upon by one fluffy cat, and Panda sat next to it, reading a book.

  Now the tricky part. How to get her attention? My gaze swept over the room, and finally settled upon a magazine resting on the coffee table. The cat opened one eye, and watched me as I knelt by the table. Slowly, I moved the magazine about an inch, which caused Panda to focus on the table a moment, before going back to her book. I did it again, this time Panda jumped at the noise of sliding paper against wood, and confused put her book down, marking her page with her bookmark.

  I could see her thinking about what was happening. She looked over at the balcony door, and noticed it was slightly open. She got up and pulled it shut, though still confused as there was hardly any breeze. I got up and turned on Panda’s PC. She spun at the sudden noise as it powered up.

  “Strange” Panda spoke. She walked over to the desk and sat down, waiting for the computer to boot up completely. “Bloody computers, always doing their own thing.” She muttered to herself.

  When it booted up, she logged in, and hit the search engine. She clicked on her link to the noisy neighbours’ forum and started to methodically go through the new posts, replying to some as she saw fit. Finally she came across my reply, saying I would visit her first. She hit the reply button, and typed:

  Look forward to it.

  Panda (Moderator)

  Accessing her PC, I hunted through multiple programs before finding the Notepad, and opened it. Panda, frustrated at her computer still, clicked the X on the window to try to close it, but I held it open. I began typing the words onto the screen but using the program itself, not the keyboard. I didn’t want to freak her out too much just yet.

  Hello Panda. I typed.

  Panda stared at the screen, not knowing at first what to do. She replied:

  Who is this and how are you accessing my pc?

  My name is Sharon. I am SHart on the noisy neighbours’ forum.

  Panda looked suddenly frightened.

  Stop stalking me, I will call the police!

  I’m sorry Panda, I did not mean to alarm you, but you asked me to prove to you I was actually dead. And I am. I can prove to you that I am in your flat right now.

  Panda looked around suddenly, then got up and started methodically searching each of her rooms. It didn’t take her long, as her flat was fairly small. Finding no one lurking, she appeared a little calmer when she sat back down at the desk.

  You found no one in your flat I hope, just you and your cat?

  No I did not. That was a good guess, but you knew that already. Trying to scare an old lady.

  Before you came to the PC, you were reading a book on the sofa, sat next to your cat.

  Panda looked confused, and stared at her webcam. She grabbed it and unplugged it from the USB cable.

  Using someone’s camera is an offense you know.

  I am not using your camera. I am already in your flat. I will prove it.

  How?

  I will move that magazine on your coffee table. If you believe me afterward, I can use some of my energy to show myself to you. Do you agree?

  Panda paused, her fingers hovering above her keyboard waiting to type a reply.

  Ok. Do it.

  I waited until she turned around and was facing the magazine. I focused on her, and she appeared fairly calm. I just hoped I wasn’t about to give her a heart attack. I moved towards the coffee table again, and her cat stood up on the sofa and watched me. Panda noticed her cat was staring at something, it’s tail flicking from side to side.

  “What’s the matter boy? What can you see?” she asked him. The cat continued to stare, it’s gaze following me as I drew closer. I knelt, and the cat sat back on it haunches, its ear flicking back and forth. I focused on the magazine then carefully slid it to the edge of the table.

  Panda squealed. “Oh my god! What was that? How did they do that?”

  I let Panda walk over, still cautious, and touch the magazine. She picked it up and felt around it. No wires, no strings attached. She frowned and dropped it back down, heading back to the PC.

  How did you do that? she typed quickly.

  I smiled and replied: Like I told you, I am dead, but I have special abilities to use in the living realm. I cannot really tell you more yet, but if you like, I can show myself to you.

  Panda sat and thought for what seemed an eternity. Eventually she placed her fingers to the keys and began typing.

  If you are able to, then I would like that. You are not scary or grotesque are you?

  I laughed at that, causing a chill to emanate the room. Panda shivered.

  Sorry you made me laugh. That was me and my cold aura. It’s hard to explain. And no, I am not scary, but you may be a bit shocked. At least I will be surprised if you are not freaked out. Turn around.

  Panda spun in the office style chair and faced the room, waiting. I walked into her line of sight, then stopped near the coffee table once more, the cat watching me. Panda noticed the cat seeing something again, then quickly spun round and typed:

  Can my cat see you?

  I headed back to the PC and instead of using the program, touched the keyboard to type.

  Yes he can.

  Panda jumped then, as the keys moved of their own accord, and spun back around. I was back at the coffee table, and slowly brought myself into focus. Panda’s breath stopped a moment as she took in
my form.

  “HOLY SHIT!” she cried, but was too engrossed on me to flee.

  “I won’t hurt you”, I spoke quietly, hoping a more soothing voice would be calmer for her. However it was taking a lot of my concentration to keep up the image and my voice. “Alas, this is taking a lot of my energy for you to see and hear me. It would be best if I stuck to the typing.”

  Panda was staring, jaw hanging open. Realising I had stopped talking, she stuttered, “Erm, yes, yes of course. God I’m so sorry. I, I, just don’t know what to think right now. This goes against everything. I mean everything I thought about the world.” I faded my image, and spoke.

  “It’s ok, it surprised me too when I found out what I was.”

  Panda spoke again. “What you are? You are a ghost of sorts aren’t you?”

  I made my way back to the PC and started typing. Sort of. I am not a ghost though. Ghosts cannot do much apart from float about with other ghosts.

  “So what exactly are you? What happened? Why are you here? Why are you helping us?”

  I laughed again at all the sudden questions causing the dreaded chill to fall about us.

  Well, I am known as a Daemon. There are many forms of dead here on the other side, but only certain people become a Daemon. I am one of those. As for what happened, it is as I explained in my main post. I was raped and murdered by three men, who have since been caught and are now serving their time behind bars.

  I am here because of what happened to me, to you, and to all the other people on the forum who are suffering from neighbours from hell. I am doing this because it has been clear to me, and I think most of you that we will never reach a positive outcome with the way the current authority figures, those in power, run things. As far as they are concerned it’s all about money, not people’s welfare. So I am here to help fix things for the better. However that may be required, whatever needs to be done, I can and will do it.

  Panda read my message a couple of times before asking, “So what did you do with my neighbours? The ones downstairs died. Was that you?”

  Well you had two noisy neighbours. One next door, one downstairs. I scared the living daylights out of the one next door, I assume she has not returned?

  “No, it’s been very quiet the past few days next door. What about those who died below?”

  Yes that was me.

  Panda gasped. “You killed them?”

  Yes. Well, sort of.

  “Well it’s either yes or no. Surely you are just as bad as those who murdered you!?”

  You are right. I did have conflicting emotions about what I was doing. But as far as I was now concerned, I am untouchable. If I can use my abilities to help you all, then I know I have done good. Besides I didn’t kill them outright, I just broke the gas appliance to make it leak the carbon monoxide. That is what killed them, not me. Don’t you think they deserved it?

  “Well I, I, never considered it to actually be done. I had wished it upon them as it was making my life unbearable, but for it to actually happen. I’m not sure how I feel now. At the time I couldn’t care less when the fire engine and police and paramedics turned up. I was grateful for the peace after such a bad night beforehand. But now, knowing this? I just don’t know yet.”

  I’m sorry if this is a shock to you. I don’t wish to confuse you, but at least you have peace and quiet for the time being. I hope that is helping, however it came about.

  Panda smiled. “Well that is true enough. I haven’t slept so well for a long time. Shame the place is still riddled with bed bugs!”

  I had forgotten about those. Maybe I could help with that too.

  I will see what I can do about that, though I can’t guarantee anything.

  “Thank you Sharon.” Panda replied. She appeared more relaxed. “Look at me. If someone walked in on me know they would think I’m battier than a bat, talking to myself!”

  I smiled.

  I’m glad you didn’t run for the hills. I enjoy having contact with the living.

  “You are already in contact with others? Not just me?”

  Oh yes. My house is now home to two men. One of them can see and hear me without me needing to use my abilities. It’s great, it’s not so lonely.

  “I’m not sure I can imagine. At least I have my cat.”

  Would you write a reply on the forum later about my post, and that I am real. People might be more willing to listen to you, especially as you are a moderator?

  “Of course” Panda spoke. “You should visit the others though first. Then maybe we can all reply together, and confirm you are legitimate.”

  I thought about it for a moment.

  Yes that sounds wise. I will visit Megs next. Though I may leave that for tomorrow. It is getting dark now and my new house mates will be home wondering where I am.

  “Ok, Sharon. Good luck. And I’m sorry we didn’t believe you. After all, a dead person using a computer doesn’t happen all too often these days!”

  Very true. I typed. Good night Panda. Let me know on the forum if you need my help with anything.

  “That is very kind. You go now. Take care!”

  I hopped back into the PC at that moment, and travelled my way back along the line to my home. As I appeared in the living room, Michael waved at me. “Hey, Sharon!”

  “Hello Michael” I replied. “How are you?”

  “I’m good thanks. I should be asking you though!”

  I laughed. “I have had the most interesting day. Unfortunately, I’m bound not to tell you where I have been. Mortals are not supposed to know some things.”

  Michael moaned. “Awww, please? I won’t tell anyone I promise!”

  “Honestly I cannot. There are much higher beings watching my every move. If I make a mistake, I’m doomed.”

  “Sounds nasty”, Michael replied.

  “Anyhow, I have been to visit one of my forum friends. Spoke with them and managed to show them myself briefly. Do you think Steve would like that?”

  Michael thought a moment. “I’ve no idea with him to be honest. I wouldn’t worry too much, unless he specifically asks you. And how did your appearance go then?”

  I smiled. “It was tricky at first, I didn’t want to scare the lady, but we finally got to talking, she spoke and I typed on her PC. It was interesting.”

  “Good. At least she didn’t try to exorcise you!” Michael laughed.

  “God I wonder if that would work on me? I don’t wanna find out!”

  “So what are your plans now, or tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Well next I am going to rest up. I’ve had a busy day that I can’t elaborate on. Then tomorrow, I’m off to visit another forum member.”

  Michael stretched and yawned deeply. “Sounds great. Well if you don’t mind I’m also off to get some shut eye. Early start tomorrow at work.”

  “Ok, Michael. Good night.”

  “Night, Sharon.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  The following morning I headed straight into the laptop, and headed down the line to Megs house. I needed to find out first, whether my haunting to her neighbour had worked permanently, plus I had to reveal myself to her too.

  At the other end, I hopped out quickly to find Megs in her kitchen preparing breakfast. There was no one else in the house. I walked through the adjoining wall into her neighbours’ living room and found her neighbour watching TV. The two children were in the kitchen eating their breakfast and for once, appeared calm. There was no noise apart from the crunching of their cereal and dinging of spoons against bowls. I decided to hang around for the morning and keep an eye on them. As the children finished their breakfasts, they walked into the living room and spoke to their mum to tell her they had finished. They didn’t shout or squeal, just spoke normally, like normal people should. The mum told them to go brush their teeth before school, and they ran upstairs. It was a little noisy but the mum didn’t tell them to stop, she was glued to the TV again. I was glad I didn’t have the time to find out what rubbish was
on daytime telly myself. I heard it was awful.

  Five minutes later the kids came charging down the stairs, laden with book bags, P.E kit bags and trainers. The mum turned around this time and told them to keep the noise down. The kids sucked in their breath almost simultaneously, and apologised to their mum and “the ghost.”

  I decided I should reply, and in a deep voice I spoke, “Heed my words, or receive the consequences.”

  The mother quickly glanced around. “I’m sorry, we’re sorry aren’t we kids?” she beckoned to them and they ran over to her. “We’re sorry, we’re sorry” they chanted.

  “Apology accepted,” I replied, “but remember, I am watching.”

  They were all nodding frantically, the mother had her arms around her children either side of her, protective. I headed back to the wall and walked through into Meg’s house. She was also watching her TV, sat on her sofa and eating some toast. I missed being able to eat. Mmmm chocolate. I sighed, causing a chill to circulate the room. Megs put her toast down and feeling the cold, she picked up her hot mug of tea and wrapped her hands around it.