Conditional Reality

Matilda Woodwork welcomed the ghosts that stained her house just as she welcomed the memories that had been staining her mind for decades. As her house aged, so did the ghosts. They grew creakier and didn’t move around as much. But they still exuded comfort. Matilda sometimes threw parties for her other friends, the ones who were still alive. The ghosts were tolerant of these visitors, but they preferred to have Matilda all to themselves. In the evenings they played music. Matilda listened with her eyes closed. She tapped her foot on the floor. This made the ghosts very happy.