They Told Me I Was Invited: A Ghost Story

“We noticed you!” they said. “And we’re impressed.”

I was happy. Who doesn’t like to be noticed?

“Please come to our party. We think you’ll fit right in.”

I couldn’t wait.

“But first there’s an audition.”

I took a few weeks to get myself together, to create what I should bring, to practice what I would say, to jettison the words not to say. I did some very good work to prepare, and I was happy with it.

I showed up with all the right things. I showed up thoroughly rehearsed. The audition went great, so great that they said, “We want you to come to the party. We’ll send you an invitation.” 

I was thrilled.

Then I waited.

Then I waited some more.

Nothing.

Then some very peppy, happy people showed up and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll help you get to the party and get inside.” And they did. I was grateful. This is good, I thought. These people are looking out for me. I can trust them.

At the party I got a most warm welcome. “We’re so happy to have you! Come, we’ll show you around.” I liked what I saw.

“They want you to come back to the next party!” the peppy, happy people said. “We’ll let you know when and where.”

I danced a little jig, I was so happy.

Then I waited.

Then I waited some more.

Nothing.

And then a message arrived, from someone new.

“We noticed you!” they said. “And we’re very impressed …”