For this one, you must persuade the ghost of your ex-love to stop haunting your home.
PROMISE (any gender, mid twenties through late forties)
Don't worry. I remember.
I remember you.
I remember us.
I remember the night of the crash. And I'm willing to die tonight. You want me to join you? That's what it's going to take for you to stop haunting my home? Fine. My family doesn't deserve to be terrorized. They aren't the ones who broke a promise.
I'm sorry.
Will THAT do?
I promised I'd stay at your side and... yes... I jumped out of the car before the crash. I saved my own life. I did something for myself, rather than going along with your stupid shit one more time.
I did lots of things for myself, since then. Really built a life that I'm proud of. I guess you're keeping your promise too, huh? Not ever leaving MY side. Not really.
God, how old were we when we made that promise? Sixteen? Can we give each other a pass and move on? If not, let's go. My car's ready and the kids are asleep.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"