Chapter One

My story begins with Steward Curious.
He's not my first ghost friend. Oh no, I've been doing this for years.
Buuuuut...

He is the first to do this.

Not all ghosts like my way of doing things, I guess. I mean, if you're trying to make somebody feel living again the best thing to do is start up a game of tag, right?
Maybe I'm biased. I might be pushing 30 but I still love a good game of tag. Or hopscotch. Or Legos... Huh. No wonder I write kids' books.

Unfortunately, Steward doesn't like kids. But he accepts my apology pretty well, surprisingly.

Some ghosts just take a different tactic to befriend. His is nature and science, I think. I don't know much about science, but I sure do love me some nature. It's easy for us to bond over this.

And I LOVE seeing this happen. A smile. Even if it's only for a little bit.

Their happy makes my happy. That's what I live for.

Even if they're gone way too soon.

Still a bit sad, I try to cheer myself up with my favourite time of the day. Painting time! Nature kinda sneaks into everything I paint. But trees just make great pointillism, right?

Just a little colour all over my hands and acrylics in my nose and I'm feeling way better already.

Still... I have some problems a kids' book author should never have. And soon enough, I'm at the gym's self-serve bar.

Buuuut, it does lead me into meeting the most beautiful lady I've ever seen.

I wish. Turns out see was just admiring the art behind me. It was pretty.

Maybe if I were more famous...

Who wouldn't work harder just to see that face everyday?

I start making myself another liquid courage after she disappears out of sight for a bit, but suddenly she's back.

And standing right beside me!

Oh god, what should I do?

I...chicken out. But I do need a shower, so...
Little did I know someone was following me.

I'm so wrapped up in psyching myself up for this girl that I, um, kiiiinda forget to turn the water on.

After figuring that out and actually taking a shower, I emerge a new human.

I'm determined. But maybe just maybe this guy knows me better than I know myself.

She's nowhere in sight.

And I'm back to my vice.

Oh.

She looks even better with her hair down and a fresh face and clean clothes, but she's not very happy.

I move away to think and am about to go talk to her when I remember I have a job to do.

I love what I do, but man... Walking out that door was painful.