The Stories That Haunt Us by Bill Jessome

care.” His ashes were safely packed away, and now Adeline and her father’s ashes were taking the trip to Shubieland.
    Adeline’s thoughts and memories of her parents and grandmother brought tears to her eyes. They were all dead now, and for the first time it hit her how truly alone she really was. All that was left of her family were warm memories.
    When Adeline crossed into Nova Scotia from New Brunswick, she lowered the car’s window and whispered into the wind, “I’m coming home, Granny.” Ever since she was a child, Adeline had dreamed of one day becoming a writer. Today would be the beginning of that dream.
    Adeline arrived in Indian Harbour in late afternoon. Her plans were to stay with a friend overnight and go on to her new home in the morning. Her friend, Sandy Armitage, was an internationally recognized painter. She was in the doorway waving when Adeline drove up. They first met as children during a summer vacation up on the Fundy shore and remained friends ever since.
    Sandy was the one who found the cottage for Adeline. She was also as an interior decorator, so naturally it was agreed that she should decorate the cottage, purchasing only the necessities until Adeline arrived, when they could both go on a shopping spree.
    After dinner, Adeline and Sandy put on sweaters and walked the short distance from Sandy’s home to the shore, where they sat on huge boulders much like the ones at Peggy’s Cove. They talked about everything—except for why Adeline decided to pack it in and come east. High above, several squawking gulls circled over two Cape Islanders coming into harbour. Adeline said, “This place, I mean, I don’t know. Somehow it doesn’t seem real.” Sandy smiled. “You too, eh? It’s said the place is haunted by a woman known as the lady in blue.”
    â€œHave you seen her?”
    â€œNo, but people I know have.”
    â€œDo you think we’ll see her?”
    â€œI doubt it.”
    And then out of the blue Adeline started talking about why she had left Toronto.
    â€œThe reason I came east was to get out of a bad relationship, and I also felt a lack of fulfilment in my work. I’ve always had the urge to write. I’ve had this dream since I was ten. I don’t know if it was a wise decision. I don’t even know if I can write, but I have to find out.”
    â€œI always said you were meant to be a writer. I could see it in the letters you wrote to me when we were still kids. You made the right decision Adeline, I can feel it.”
    There was a chill in the air and fog was rolling in over the rocky beach. “Time to go back,” Sandy said.
    Adeline was up bright and early the next morning, but not before Sandy, who was working on a new canvas.
    â€œWe’ll have bacon and eggs before you set off.”
    â€œGreat. And the coffee smells delicious.”
    Over the breakfast table, Adeline knew by the way her friend was looking at her that there was something on her mind and that she was having a difficult time finding a way of getting it out.
    â€œI know you too well, Sandy, you have something on your mind. Out with it.”
    â€œWell, it’s just that. Now, it’s just a rumour mind you, and yet if something untoward should happened I’d never forgiven myself for not warning—no, not warning—telling you.”
    â€œTelling me what?”
    â€œWell there are stories, rumours, that the cottage you bought is haunted. That’s why it’s been vacant for so long.”
    Adeline laughed. “Haunted? Ghosts? Sandy, really.”
    â€œIt’s what I’ve heard, so I thought it was only right that you should know.”
    â€œAnd I thank you on behalf of myself and all those shadowy things that go bump in the night. Really, Sandy, I’m surprised.”
    â€œIt’s okay then? You’re all right with it?”
    â€œOf course. I don’t believe in all that