Alice stared at Maiv with wide eyes. She breathed, “What did you do?” “Obviously, I chose to stay; a chance to save people, make a small difference.” She shook her head. “I plan to unplug her when I get too…
Category: Ghosts in the Suicide Forest
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 10
It was an early spring day just before the onset of the rainy season. Maiv was cleaning out the hut and rolled up a large area rug in the bedroom, intending to take it outside and beat the dust out…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 9
“So?” Alice leaned forward. “What happened?” “I checked the letter again. It had changed to a single sheet that read, ‘Thank you. I am going to look for a new job. Maybe we’ll try Europe.” Alice frowned. “Are you certain…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 8
Maiv explored the forest in the months following Marco’s death. She occasionally used the VR system, paying attention to angles of view to find cameras. It was a slow process since she still wasn’t sure how to tell the computer…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 7
“Wait. You talked to him?” Alice asked incredulously. “It must have been a sim.” “That thought did occur.” Maiv set the lucky cat next to the cube. “I often wonder at the things people bring with them.” “My first gift…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 6
It was three days before she summoned the courage to put on the glasses again. She found Marco smoking a cigarette. “Ugh,” she grumbled. “I wish you wouldn’t do that.” Marco smiled wanly. “Sorry, Maiv. I know you hate these…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 5
The decision to stay in the forest had come gradually. At first, she set about repairing the hut out of habit. The systems on the farm were nearly as old so she was used to the work. Taking apart and…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 4
It took several hours but Maiv eventually gathered enough stones to build a cairn. It would protect his body from scavengers until she could make other arrangements. She set the last stone, muscles groaning from the strain, and sat down…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 3
Alice mumbled, “That’s terrible.” “Yes,” Maiv said simply. “Why did he do it?” She sighed. “Why does anyone?” Alice’s brow furrowed. She said angrily, “It’s not the same.” The old woman set the hologram on the table and turned it…
Ghosts in the Suicide Forest – Part 2
Don’t die, Marco. I’m coming. Maiv repeated this mantra over and over in her head as she pushed her way through the forest and sheets of rain. Wet branches slapped at her face and arms, brambles tore at her jeans.…