The Last Ghost

Three Hauntings Before Christmas

It was the rumble of thunder that caused Jack to open his eyes. A flash of lightning filled the room. At the foot of the bed a silhouette of a figure. A hiker in shadow, a shiny black poncho and ball cap shadowed the figure’s face. A headlamp on his head, glowing red in the dark room. black gloves on his hands, he held an orange rescue backboard in one hand, resting on the floor.

Jack eyed him suspiciously.

“Clearly I’m not going to get any sleep tonight.” He grumbled. “What have you to show me spirit?”

The figure pointed to the door. Jack stepped through into the forest. It was damp, after a rainstorm. The trees dripped with rain, the trail muddy.

Jack spoke to the spirit. “I do not know this place, spirit, where are we?”

The figure raised a gloved hand.

A search and rescue team was descending the trail towards them. They carried a litter board, a covered figure strapped to the board.

“A recovery mission” said Jack. “Someone past the point of rescue.”

Jack looked again at the spirit as they fell in step behind the group.

“Who is this?” he asked. The spirit did not speak.

Ahead, the last two stretcher bearers spoke to one another.

“Probably never knew what hit him.”

“Can’t be sure, as he was hiking alone, but heart attacks are the number three killer in the outdoors.”

“Yeah, half of which involve mountain climbing”

“Fits the profile. Over 45 years old.”

Jack’s eyes widened. “Surely spirit, this is not I!”

One of the rescuers spoke to his team.

“People have to take care of themselves before engaging in this type of activity. Intense exertion, cold weather, and altitude increase stress on the heart.”

Jack wiped a little sweat from his brow.

“Spirit he said, how can I avoid this fate!”

One of the hikers replied to his friends.

“Gotta take care of yourself. Watch your cholesterol, get regular exercise. Regular hiking significantly lowers the likelihood of heart attack. Quit the smokes.”

“It’s important to know your limitations and recognize the signs” said another.

“Watch for shortness of breath and intermittent pain, pressure, or squeezing in the center of the chest, Adjust your mileage. Heart attacks occur most often in the morning. Better to ease into a hike with elevation.”

The spirit pointed to the path ahead. The trail climbed to a bright light.

“Spirit!” cried Jack, I’m not ready to go! I haven’t finished the Long Trail, or the Catskills! I still have patches that I need to acquire, lists to finish!”

Jack tripped backwards and was falling into darkness. He opened his eyes with a start, sitting bolt upright in bed.

Mrs. Jack came into the room. She held a breakfast tray.

“What day is it?” exclaimed Jack.

“Why it’s Christmas Day honey.” she replied. “I brought you breakfast.”

“Eggs over easy, a big plate of bacon, greasy home fries and a cup of coffee.”

“It’s not too late” thought Jack. “Thanks dear!” Jack said.

He ran out into the street. There was a person huddled against the cold on the bench near the park. Jack brought him the tray. “Merry Christmas!” he said handing him the tray.

“Bro what’s going on?” The person looked puzzled.

“Enjoy friend, I’m off to the gym. Gotta pick up an egg white and spinach omelet on the way, and make an appointment for my yearly physical.”

“See you on the trails.”