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"