Old Bones: A Collection of Short Stories by Steven L. Campbell

until it
exploded in a flash of white light that sent Leo falling backward
over his chair. When he scrambled up, Frank, Kathy and the green
glow were gone. His computer rested on the cushion where Frank had
been sitting.
    “Game over,” the computer said. “You lose.”
He thought he heard Emily’s voice snicker.
    He stared at his gift, uncertain of whether
to go near it.
    He picked up his overturned chair, sat, and
watched the door.
    Why wasn’t Emily back yet?
    I need answers!
    He waited for her, uncertain if what he had
seen had really happened. But it must have. There was Kathy’s Readers Digest next to his computer.
    He replayed the scenario in his mind several
times and shook his head every time. What kind of computer does
that to people? How?
    Questions riddled his mind while he watched
the door and waited. Five minutes later, he paced the room.
    Maybe he should go look for Emily.
    He started toward the door and stopped.
    Should he leave the computer here? Would
Emily be upset with him if he did?
    He paced and pondered what to do.
    He jumped and held back a cry when the
faculty lounge door opened. Emily smiled at him as she strolled
inside. The smile froze. Then it vanished as she stepped back and
studied his concerned face. “I’d never do anything to hurt you,”
she said.
    “But Frank and Kathy … what happened to
them?”
    “It’s okay. It’s only temporary.” Emily
pointed at the computer. “They’re safe. Inside. See?”
    She waved a hand and the computer turned
until Leo could see that the game had started again. Frank was part
of the game now; he busily shot arrows at the red dragon.
    Leo peered at Emily. “What are you?” he
asked.
    “I hope I’m the best thing to ever come into
your life.” She laughed a sweet laugh.
    Leo looked again at Frank.
    “Die, you bastard,” Frank screamed at the
dragon that flew above him. Then he turned and looked at Leo from
inside the screen. “I don’t know how you did this, you geek,” he
said, “but I’m gonna—”
    “Shut up, Frank,” Emily said. “You just fight
those dragons and try to rescue Kathy if you two ever want to get
out of there.” She winked at Leo, but he still frowned at her.
    “Don’t be frightened,” she said, “or mad at
me. I promise no harm will come to them … or you. I love you, Leo.”
She took a step toward him and he backed away. Tears welled in her
eyes. “Do you love me, Leo?”
    Leo rubbed his forehead. “I … I—”
    “Answer the bitch,” Frank yelled. “I want
outta here.”
    Leo looked at tiny Frank Hallstead ducking
from a stream of dragon fire. He suddenly needed to laugh. “Yes,”
he said to Emily amidst his laughter. “You are the best thing to
ever come into my life.”
    Emily rushed into his embrace, her lips
meeting his.
    “Get a room,” Frank yelled.
    Leo went to his computer and closed the lid.
Frank and the game were silent. “Shut up, Frank,” Leo said and
laughed again.
    “You have a contagious laugh, Mr. Nash,”
Emily said. “You should use it more often.”
    Leo nodded. Emily took him by the arm and led
him to the door. He saw by the old clock on the wall that last
period was almost over. He looked at the computer and said, “As
much as part of me doesn’t want to, I think it’s time to let Frank
and Kathy out.” He sighed. “Frank’s never gonna stop harassing me
over this.”
    “Don’t worry,” Emily said. “They won’t
remember a thing that happened. And every time Frank gets out of
line, I’ll send him back inside to fight dragons.” She opened the
door, waved a hand, and then took him by the arm again and led him
into the hall.
    Before they left, Leo glanced into the room
and saw Frank and Kathy reappear on the sofa. There was no green
fog or white light this time. Both yawned and stretched and looked
like they had awakened from a nap.
    Leo and Emily went arm in arm from the
school, almost skipping into the warm afternoon air and sunny
daylight outdoors, and