Marcia had seen nothing, only the far wall with it’s ancient floral wall paper. But now she couldn’t even see that, just vague color through the sparkles and spirals, which danced, before her eyes. Then blackness rained over all… for how long she had no way of knowing. “Miss Caldwell!” Marcia sat bolt up right on the big bed, looking around wildly. Christine’s husband Daniel stood in the doorway looking ridiculous. He was holding a set of grimy weed clippers in one hand like a sword. While he steadied himself, on the bedrooms ornate doorframe, with his other trembling hand. His face twisted into a strange mask of fear, disgust, and understanding. “Are you alright?” He looked so strange dressed in overalls and gardeners straw hat. As he bellowed at the top of him lungs, when he was only a few feet away. ‘Why was he shouting?’ It was because she was screaming, Marcia realized with a start. She tried to stop, but her body shook in violent spasms and great ragged gasps! “Miss Caldwell… Miss Caldwell…” It seemed to be all he could say, as he stared at her with that peculiar knowing look! Marcia gazed blankly at him, shivering and quaking like some dumb beast. Daniel was starring at her breasts, swollen and reddened, like they had been wrenched half off!
“I… I’ll go call… the authorities.” Daniel stammered starting to turn… but Marcia quickly called.
“No… don’t!”
“Miss Caldwell… you’ve clear been…” Daniel protested awkwardly.
“I don’t want the police.” Marcia insisted more firmly as Daniel lowered the garden shears, and approached the bed slowly. His eyes were moist, concern showing plainly within them.
“Wouldn’t it be best to speak with someone” He asked. “They have women police officers…” Daniel assured still looking strange… this time perhaps confused and guilty. Daniel had no doubt what had happened to her it seemed.
“I don’t want to go through all of that!” Marcia moaned, already knowing what the disbelieving authorities reaction to a ghostly assault would be. Marcia was coming down from her hysteria, bit by bit rational thought weaving its way through the maze of fear in her brain. It was only then that she realized that she was almost totally naked in front of a stranger! She drew the sheet up around her, pinning it against her side with her arm. As there came a lone awkward silence between them.
“Would… would you like… Errr some coffee… or something?” His voice was changing… it had lost that tone of alarm. The warmth and kindness coming through, it vaguely irritated Marcia for some reason.
“No… no thank you!” She answered harshly as she tried to gather up her ruined clothing. But it was hopeless and they both could see it, Daniel looked away embarrassed for her.
“I… I think Christine has a few things stored here…” He muttered hurrying off before she could protest… A shiver raced down Marcia’s spine, as she was alone in the room once again! But no invisible force pounce upon her, no fowl smell burned her nostrils. The room was pleasant… well it and otherwise unremarkable. She was just debating standing up and going to the bathroom. When Daniel came back into the room with a bundle of clothing in his arms.
“I… I don’t think these are Christine’s.” He mumbled trying not to look at her naked bruised flesh. “But at least you’ll be dressed…” He grunted turning at once and heading for the door. “I… I’ll be out in the hall!” He called over his shoulder, as he closed the door behind himself. Marcia stood up can looked the silken gowns over carefully. They were old but in remarkably good shape and better yet they would fit her full figure!