Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #21 December 2015 | Page 5

“Huh, that’s weird,” Brian replied. “Can Laura and I try it after you go to work?” next! Now, if you don’t mind, my wife and I need to get to work.” Waving for his wife to follow, Mr Klein shoved the exit door open and stormed away. “No!” Mrs Klein said, her blue eyes flashing. “John, get rid of it,” she directed at her husband. “You know I don’t like those things around. They’re dangerous, especially if you don’t call on beneficial spirits to guide you. And if you don’t move the indicator to ‘Good Bye’ when you’re done, you leave the psychic connection open for a spirit to pass through!” # That afternoon, Brian lay on the floor watching TV at the far end of the apartment. Laura stamped her feet as she came into the room and sank to the floor with a huge scowl across her face. “I tried to sneak the Ouija game as Nana was sweeping, but she caught me. What are we going to do now?” she whined. “There’s nothing good on TV.” “Oh come on, Susan, stop with the mumbo jumbo. It’s just harmless fun. Tell you what, kids; we’ll try it after Mom and I get back from work. We’ll make it a family fun night!” Suddenly realizing the time, Mr Klein added, “Susan, we need to get going or we’ll be late opening the store.” He quickly grabbed his coat and opened the door, preparing to leave. Brian pointed at the large window at the end of the room. “Why don’t we go on the fire escape and see if anyone is playing outside,” he suggested. He walked to the window, unlatched the lock, and tried to lift the front glass pane. The window resisted him, but then released with a horrendous shriek. Brian stepped out onto the metal landing and beckoned to his sister. Once she stepped out to join him, he turned and peered over the railing. To his amazement, there was not a soul below; there were only cars parked nose to tail in both directions. “That’s weird,” he mumbled. “Where is everyone?” “Okay, but I don’t want that thing where the kids can get at it,” Mrs Klein stated forcefully as she accompanied him. She turned to glare back at her children. “You kids don’t touch this until we return,” she commanded. “Mom, make sure you keep this away from them!” “Brian, the window next door is open,” Laura said in a whisper. “Let’s go take a peak.” She held her finger to her lips and tiptoed over to the neighbors’ window. The fluttering curtains briefly swirled around her head as if to envelope her. In annoyance she swatted away the cloth and after a few moments turned back and whispered, “It’s empty.” “Of course, dear. Now get going. They’re in good hands.” Mrs Klein closed the door and hurried to catch up with her husband. As she descended the stairs, she heard him directly below accosting the Super. Brian came over and cautiously peered inside. The apartment’s lights were out, leaving dark shadows stretching away from him and across the floor. Before he could say anything, his sister slipped into the apartment. “What are you doing?” he whispered loudly. “You’ll get caught!” “Mr Christos, what are you going to do about the mice and roaches in this place? It’s an abomination! And, what’s that? You changed the vacancy sign to TWO apartments for rent?” “I do not understand,” Mr Christos said. “Ne fW"