Hi reader.
I hope you'll enjoy this little story I wrote for my two boys. You'll notice the chapter titles in the navigation bar to the right. -->
Start at the top with the chapter titled: "Sam". Then, just simply click your way down 'till you get to the end of the story.
I'd love your feedback. Feel free to leave a comment on this post (as all other posts have comments blocked).
Enjoy.
See You Soon, Little Brother
Just then, Garrett walked into the room and Sam could see that his sadness was still with him. Garrett put his briefcase on the bed and slowly sat at his desk and quietly began to weep. You see, he had just come from the hospital where both his parents had just died of old age. They were both a hundred years old.
"Garrett?" said Sam. "What's wrong?"
"It's Mom and Dad," said Garrett. "They died, Sam. They just died, just today. They just died, Sam. And now they'll never now about you and me, and us here together being brothers all these years. They'll never understand why I came here. They'll never know that we spent a lifetime loving each other like brothers!"
"They know, Garrett." Sam said. "They know."
Garrett sniffled away his tears and asked, "What do you mean they know, Sam? How could they know?"
"Well, Garrett. You can't see them, but Mom and Dad are both here with me right now. They finally came for me, Garrett, just like I knew they would, just like I felt that they would all this time! Just like I knew it all along! And Garrett, they're sorry they didn't believe you. They know you aren't crazy. They know that you were given a gift just for me - to keep me company until they could come! They're here, Garrett, they're really here! They're finally HERE! And...they're taking me with them. We're going to heaven all together, Garrett. ALL TOGETHER!"
"Oh, Sam," said Garrett, "I am so happy for you! I am so glad you don't have to be stuck here in this miserable place. I know Mom and Dad can't hear me, but will you tell them that I love them, Sam, will you?"
"Sure, buddy." Said Sam. "And Garrett, thanks again for being my big brother. Thanks for keeping me company and helping me wait for Mom and Dad. I couldn't have done it without you. I really love you, big brother. You're the best!"
"I love you, too, little brother." said Garrett. "And Sam, I hope you know how strong you are. So strong to wait here all these years and never give up hope!"
In a last moment of farewell, Sam wrapped his small and very young arms around his large and very old brother. And though Garrett couldn't see him, he could feel him in his heart. And he knew that his little brother was in a good place, with good people. And with tears of joy, Garrett said, "I'll see you soon, little brother. I'll see you soon."
Before too many years went by - or was it just days - Garret gave up his old weak body. And from that day on, it was Garrett and Sam forever - and the rest of the family, too.
"Garrett?" said Sam. "What's wrong?"
"It's Mom and Dad," said Garrett. "They died, Sam. They just died, just today. They just died, Sam. And now they'll never now about you and me, and us here together being brothers all these years. They'll never understand why I came here. They'll never know that we spent a lifetime loving each other like brothers!"
"They know, Garrett." Sam said. "They know."
Garrett sniffled away his tears and asked, "What do you mean they know, Sam? How could they know?"
"Well, Garrett. You can't see them, but Mom and Dad are both here with me right now. They finally came for me, Garrett, just like I knew they would, just like I felt that they would all this time! Just like I knew it all along! And Garrett, they're sorry they didn't believe you. They know you aren't crazy. They know that you were given a gift just for me - to keep me company until they could come! They're here, Garrett, they're really here! They're finally HERE! And...they're taking me with them. We're going to heaven all together, Garrett. ALL TOGETHER!"
"Oh, Sam," said Garrett, "I am so happy for you! I am so glad you don't have to be stuck here in this miserable place. I know Mom and Dad can't hear me, but will you tell them that I love them, Sam, will you?"
"Sure, buddy." Said Sam. "And Garrett, thanks again for being my big brother. Thanks for keeping me company and helping me wait for Mom and Dad. I couldn't have done it without you. I really love you, big brother. You're the best!"
"I love you, too, little brother." said Garrett. "And Sam, I hope you know how strong you are. So strong to wait here all these years and never give up hope!"
In a last moment of farewell, Sam wrapped his small and very young arms around his large and very old brother. And though Garrett couldn't see him, he could feel him in his heart. And he knew that his little brother was in a good place, with good people. And with tears of joy, Garrett said, "I'll see you soon, little brother. I'll see you soon."
Before too many years went by - or was it just days - Garret gave up his old weak body. And from that day on, it was Garrett and Sam forever - and the rest of the family, too.
The Glad Reunion
Sam was now 80 years old, or still 8 years old depending on how you look at it. He sat once again in quiet comfortable corner of room 816. This would be his last day on earth.
As he sat remembering his parents, he heard once again the ding of the elevator and as always, waiting eagerly for his brother, Garrett, to come home for the evening. But the footsteps he heard are not those of his brother. The voices he heard were not Garrett's. It was the sound of laughter. The sound of a man and a woman talking together of things that make people happy. He recognized the voices, and his heart began to beat wildly in anticipation! He was a bit scared, but happy at the same time! He was a bit nervous, but very eager. He waited earnestly as the voices drew close. In a hushed silence, Sam waited as he had never waited before.
"Sam?" whispered the voice of a woman he new. It was the voice of his mother. Could it be?
"Sam, are you here?" Says the voice of his father. Could it be?
His eight year old heart lept for joy within him as he looked to the doorway to watch his own mother and father come into the room. They appeared to him now just as he remembered them. His heart almost jumped out of his chest in front if him as he sprang from the floor and flew into their open arms. It was, indeed, a joyful and tearful reunion!
"Oh, Sam! We missed you so much!" said his Mom.
And, "Oh, how we missed you," his Dad said as they all embraced for the first time in 72 years!
Sam's Mom and Dad did just what he knew they would do when they finally came for him - they hugged and kissed away his loneliness and brought answers to all his questions.
"What am I supposed to do?" Sam asked.
"You are supposed to come with us, Sam." his Dad explained.
"That's right, Sam." his Mom continued, "We're going to go and be in heaven for all ever and all together!"
"Why did it take so long for you to come? It did take a long time, didn't it? Or did it?" Sam asked.
"Well, Sam, "said Lee. "You see, your spirit was so strong - you had the power to leave your body before your body died. And somehow, you got stuck here. But God knew your heart, Sam. He knew that you would hate to be alone, so he made it so that your brother Garret would be able to hear you and keep you company until we could come for you. You see, Sam, you died 72 years ago. And Mom and I, well, we eventually became weak, and tired. Our bodies finally gave up, just today!"
"And Sam," his Mom continued, "we're here to take you to heaven with us!"
"But what about Garrett?" asked Sam. "What is he supposed to do? Where will he go? Who will be here with him?"
"Sam," mom said, "I just know that some day when Garrett's body is all old and tired, he'll have to give it up just like we did. And when that happens, he'll come and join us in heaven too. Until then, he'll be happy to know that you are with us, and we'll all live on in his memories! So will Emma and Savannah!"
"Savannah!?" explained Sam. "Whose Savannah?"
"She's your little Sister, Sam." his Dad said, "She was born after you died. And you'll get a chance to meet her some day. She's a lot like you, you know."
"Wow," said Sam. "That's sure a lot to think about. Do you think I'll get to see Garrett one more time before we go?"
"Actually Sam," his Mom said. "He's coming in the room, just now."
As he sat remembering his parents, he heard once again the ding of the elevator and as always, waiting eagerly for his brother, Garrett, to come home for the evening. But the footsteps he heard are not those of his brother. The voices he heard were not Garrett's. It was the sound of laughter. The sound of a man and a woman talking together of things that make people happy. He recognized the voices, and his heart began to beat wildly in anticipation! He was a bit scared, but happy at the same time! He was a bit nervous, but very eager. He waited earnestly as the voices drew close. In a hushed silence, Sam waited as he had never waited before.
"Sam?" whispered the voice of a woman he new. It was the voice of his mother. Could it be?
"Sam, are you here?" Says the voice of his father. Could it be?
His eight year old heart lept for joy within him as he looked to the doorway to watch his own mother and father come into the room. They appeared to him now just as he remembered them. His heart almost jumped out of his chest in front if him as he sprang from the floor and flew into their open arms. It was, indeed, a joyful and tearful reunion!
"Oh, Sam! We missed you so much!" said his Mom.
And, "Oh, how we missed you," his Dad said as they all embraced for the first time in 72 years!
Sam's Mom and Dad did just what he knew they would do when they finally came for him - they hugged and kissed away his loneliness and brought answers to all his questions.
"What am I supposed to do?" Sam asked.
"You are supposed to come with us, Sam." his Dad explained.
"That's right, Sam." his Mom continued, "We're going to go and be in heaven for all ever and all together!"
"Why did it take so long for you to come? It did take a long time, didn't it? Or did it?" Sam asked.
"Well, Sam, "said Lee. "You see, your spirit was so strong - you had the power to leave your body before your body died. And somehow, you got stuck here. But God knew your heart, Sam. He knew that you would hate to be alone, so he made it so that your brother Garret would be able to hear you and keep you company until we could come for you. You see, Sam, you died 72 years ago. And Mom and I, well, we eventually became weak, and tired. Our bodies finally gave up, just today!"
"And Sam," his Mom continued, "we're here to take you to heaven with us!"
"But what about Garrett?" asked Sam. "What is he supposed to do? Where will he go? Who will be here with him?"
"Sam," mom said, "I just know that some day when Garrett's body is all old and tired, he'll have to give it up just like we did. And when that happens, he'll come and join us in heaven too. Until then, he'll be happy to know that you are with us, and we'll all live on in his memories! So will Emma and Savannah!"
"Savannah!?" explained Sam. "Whose Savannah?"
"She's your little Sister, Sam." his Dad said, "She was born after you died. And you'll get a chance to meet her some day. She's a lot like you, you know."
"Wow," said Sam. "That's sure a lot to think about. Do you think I'll get to see Garrett one more time before we go?"
"Actually Sam," his Mom said. "He's coming in the room, just now."
Nearing the End
One day, when Garrett was very old and Sam was still Sam. Garrett came home to his room on the 8th floor of the Hilton, and Sam could see sadness in his eyes, and feel it in his heart.
"What's wrong, Garrett?" Sam asked, "Why are you so sad?"
"It's Mom and Dad," Garrett said. "They're both very old, and very sick. They're going to die soon. I'm afraid their going to die and never know that you were here with me. I don't know what to do, Sam."
"I don't know what to do, either." Sam said. "I don't know where I am supposed to be or where I am supposed to go. But, I will be here for you," said Sam. "When Mom and Dad die, I'll be here for you. After all, we're brothers, right?"
"That's right, Sam." Said the old Garrett to his still small 8 year old little brother, whom he could still not see. "I'm your brother, Sam, and I will always be your brother. I love you, buddy."
"I love you, too Garrett." Sam said, "And thanks for coming here to stay with me."
"You're welcome, buddy," said Garrett.
After a while, Garrett thought about what to say to Sam about moving on. He decided on this: "Sam, I don't want you to feel like you have to wait around here for me all the time," he continued. "If you want to or need to go to a better place - you go ahead and go! Don't wait for me! Dont' stay here in this place after I'm gone, okay?"
Sam began to cry. It hadn't occurred to him that Garrett might ever leave. Where would he go? What was he supposed to do? Once again, fear began to creep into his young, young heart. It was a fear he hadn't felt in a long long time.
"What's wrong, Garrett?" Sam asked, "Why are you so sad?"
"It's Mom and Dad," Garrett said. "They're both very old, and very sick. They're going to die soon. I'm afraid their going to die and never know that you were here with me. I don't know what to do, Sam."
"I don't know what to do, either." Sam said. "I don't know where I am supposed to be or where I am supposed to go. But, I will be here for you," said Sam. "When Mom and Dad die, I'll be here for you. After all, we're brothers, right?"
"That's right, Sam." Said the old Garrett to his still small 8 year old little brother, whom he could still not see. "I'm your brother, Sam, and I will always be your brother. I love you, buddy."
"I love you, too Garrett." Sam said, "And thanks for coming here to stay with me."
"You're welcome, buddy," said Garrett.
After a while, Garrett thought about what to say to Sam about moving on. He decided on this: "Sam, I don't want you to feel like you have to wait around here for me all the time," he continued. "If you want to or need to go to a better place - you go ahead and go! Don't wait for me! Dont' stay here in this place after I'm gone, okay?"
Sam began to cry. It hadn't occurred to him that Garrett might ever leave. Where would he go? What was he supposed to do? Once again, fear began to creep into his young, young heart. It was a fear he hadn't felt in a long long time.
54 Years of Sam and Garrett
Garrett finished college. Throughout his college days he would frequently come back to the Hilton and request room 816 every time. On only a few occasions was he unable to stay in that particular room. But he never came without visiting his little brother, even if someone else occupied the room. On such occasions, Garrett would walk by the door and shout a greeting to his little brother, hoping he would hear. But Sam could only hear Garrett when he was alone.
After graduation, Garrett took a job working for a computer company, programming video games about Superheroes and making lots of money. He always drove a bright yellow Mustang convertible because it was his favorite and he remembered talking about Mustang's with his little brother when he was alive. His job paid him well and he could do it from anywhere in the country because these days, all one needs is a connection to the internet.
At the age of 24, Garrett took up residence at the Hilton Hotel and and lived with his 8 year old little brother for many many years. Some people thought he was crazy for wanting to live in a hotel suite, but Garrett found the life very satisfying, at least for a while. He could work and visit with his little brother in the privacy of their small home on the eight floor. This was a happy, happy time for them both.
Every day when Garrett would leave or come home, his leaving or arrival was always heralded by the dinging of the elevator. When Garrett would leave for a day or a week or a month, it seemed only moments to Sam when the elevator would ding again and his brother would appear.
Toward the end their time together, Garrett's sadness grew. Because in time, Garrett had grown old, but his little brother Sam, remained an 8 year old boy whose life had been taken from him so very young. And while they would talk about many things - all Sam was interested in was discovering what he was supposed to do and wondering whether his parents were ever going to come for him. Garrett began to wonder what would happen to Sam after he was gone.
While Garrett spent years consoling his little brother, time was nothing to Sam. He saw glimpses of his brother growing old, but always felt a longing to be in another place with people who loved him - longing to be with his parents once again. Garrett would tell Sam about their parents and the things they were doing. He would tell Sam about Emma and Savannah and about their families. But in all these years, had never again tried to convince their parents that Sam's ghost still lived in room 816 of the Hilton Hotel. They would only thing that Garrett had lost his mind.
Lee and Ginger never visited Garrett in the hotel. They had decided long ago that they would never enter the doors of that building again. Not, at least, while they still lived. They held true to that decision.
But Sam was happy that his brother would come and see him. Garrett took comfort in knowing that his little brother didn't have to feel afraid or only, at least as much as ghost can be unafraid and unlonely. And time continued to pass.
After graduation, Garrett took a job working for a computer company, programming video games about Superheroes and making lots of money. He always drove a bright yellow Mustang convertible because it was his favorite and he remembered talking about Mustang's with his little brother when he was alive. His job paid him well and he could do it from anywhere in the country because these days, all one needs is a connection to the internet.
At the age of 24, Garrett took up residence at the Hilton Hotel and and lived with his 8 year old little brother for many many years. Some people thought he was crazy for wanting to live in a hotel suite, but Garrett found the life very satisfying, at least for a while. He could work and visit with his little brother in the privacy of their small home on the eight floor. This was a happy, happy time for them both.
Every day when Garrett would leave or come home, his leaving or arrival was always heralded by the dinging of the elevator. When Garrett would leave for a day or a week or a month, it seemed only moments to Sam when the elevator would ding again and his brother would appear.
Toward the end their time together, Garrett's sadness grew. Because in time, Garrett had grown old, but his little brother Sam, remained an 8 year old boy whose life had been taken from him so very young. And while they would talk about many things - all Sam was interested in was discovering what he was supposed to do and wondering whether his parents were ever going to come for him. Garrett began to wonder what would happen to Sam after he was gone.
While Garrett spent years consoling his little brother, time was nothing to Sam. He saw glimpses of his brother growing old, but always felt a longing to be in another place with people who loved him - longing to be with his parents once again. Garrett would tell Sam about their parents and the things they were doing. He would tell Sam about Emma and Savannah and about their families. But in all these years, had never again tried to convince their parents that Sam's ghost still lived in room 816 of the Hilton Hotel. They would only thing that Garrett had lost his mind.
Lee and Ginger never visited Garrett in the hotel. They had decided long ago that they would never enter the doors of that building again. Not, at least, while they still lived. They held true to that decision.
But Sam was happy that his brother would come and see him. Garrett took comfort in knowing that his little brother didn't have to feel afraid or only, at least as much as ghost can be unafraid and unlonely. And time continued to pass.
The Non-Reunion
This, the shortest chapter, is the saddest. I won't tell you about all the tears and heartache and anger that were experienced through all this. I'll just give you the short version to spare you from it. Some things are just too aweful to describe, and words aren't enough anyway.
But Garrett did as he promised. Later that Summer, he finally persuaded his parents, Lee and Ginger, to return to the Hilton and enter room 816. When they arrived, Sam was there, sitting in the corner, longing with his memories to see his parents again. But for some reason known only to God Sam could not see them. He could not hear them. Nor could they see or hear him. Sam felt the presence of good people as he often did, but it was nothing more to him than that. Apparently, the gift of hearing Sam was given only to Garrett and only when he was alone.
In the short time they were there, Garrett called out to his little brother many, many times. But Sam could not hear. All the while, Lee and Ginger cried over the loss of their son once again, and began to worry that their oldest son, Garrett, had lost his mind.
With deep sadness, they left the hotel and would not come back for 54 years. But as they left, Garrett called out into what seemed an empty room, "I'll come back, Sam. I'll come back."
And he did.
But Garrett did as he promised. Later that Summer, he finally persuaded his parents, Lee and Ginger, to return to the Hilton and enter room 816. When they arrived, Sam was there, sitting in the corner, longing with his memories to see his parents again. But for some reason known only to God Sam could not see them. He could not hear them. Nor could they see or hear him. Sam felt the presence of good people as he often did, but it was nothing more to him than that. Apparently, the gift of hearing Sam was given only to Garrett and only when he was alone.
In the short time they were there, Garrett called out to his little brother many, many times. But Sam could not hear. All the while, Lee and Ginger cried over the loss of their son once again, and began to worry that their oldest son, Garrett, had lost his mind.
With deep sadness, they left the hotel and would not come back for 54 years. But as they left, Garrett called out into what seemed an empty room, "I'll come back, Sam. I'll come back."
And he did.
Meanwhile, back in 816
Sam waited for some time after the 12 year old Garrett had run away. He had hoped he would return immediately, but he did not.
"Garrett! Garrett! GARRETT!" he had cried to no avail. "What am I supposed to do?" he called out after the absent boy. But with the ding of the elevator, Garrett was gone.
So, once again he returned to the confusion that exists in the mind of a ghost. Sam returned to quiet corner of the room. He examined his surroundings. Things were mostly same, but somehow different. The bedspread was different. The TV was new. The curtains changed. He didn't remember all of these things happening, but he knew that things were different. In fact, when he thought about it, he remembered seeing several different bedspreads, curtains and pillows. He wondered how long he had been here. Had it been a day? A week? A year? Ten years? Sam still felt like an 8 year old boy. He looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were read from crying. Had he been crying? He couldn't remember why.
Then he remembered his parents and thought about them for a long time. He thought about them for a really long long time. He thought about them for about 8 years, or was it just a moment? And then, he thought about Garrett again and wondered what Garrett might be doing. Was he playing a game? Was he in school? What grade was he in?
As he sat once again in the corner, lost in thought, the sound of the ringing elevator brightened his ears. Yes - he had heard that sound before. Just moments before, in fact. Or was it years ago? That's right - when Garrett left, he must have taken the elevator! When Garrett had run away so frightened, Sam had heard the elevator "ding" it's arrival and departure. And now it sounded again!
He waited in silent anticipation for what seemed like hours. And then, slowly, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps in the hallway. It was the soft sound of tennis shoes on the plush hotel carpet. And then slowly, ever so slowly, a young man appeared. The young man stood motionless in front of the open doorway. The hall was otherwise deserted and all was quiet.
Sam was afraid. The young man looked familiar, but it wasn't his Dad. Was it? He felt like he knew this young man, but it couldn't be Garrett. Could it? Hadn't he just seen Garrett just moments ago? Or was it years? He couldn't remember! In spite of his fear, Sam knew he had to take a chance. It just had to be Garret.
"Garrett?" he spoke softly. The young man took a quick deep breath and his eyes darted from one side of the room to the other, seeing only emptiness. He took a few steps backward remaining in desperate silence.
"Garrett," Sam spoke. "Is that you?"
Stammering, the young man spoke. "Yes. It's Garrett. Are you...are you...is your name...Sam?"
Sam fell to the floor, overjoyed that someone had finally heard him. Someone was finally here to help him understand what was happening to him. Someone could tell him where he was supposed to go and how he was going to find his parents. Finally!
But all Garrett could hear was the crying of an 8 year old boy. Garrett spoke again, "Sam, is that you, are you here? Are you okay? Are you crying? Where are you?"
Still sobbing Sam replied, "Garrett, I'm here! But I don't know why. What am I supposed to do, Garrett? Where are Mom and Dad, are they coming? Why aren't they coming for me, Garrett?"
Garrett, now in tears, said, "Sam, I can't see you. Where are you? Are you here?"
"I'm right here, Garrett." Sam said. "Tell me what I'm supposed to do. Tell me where Mom and Dad are. They are coming for me, aren't they?"
Garrett was speechless. "I...I...I don't know what to say? Sam, this is impossible! Why are you here? Why are you still here in this place? What are you doing here?"
Sam did the best a ghost can do to explain the confusion of non-being. "I don't know, Garrett. I just wait here. I keeping waiting for Mom and Dad, for you, for someone to come and get me and tell me what I'm supposed to do. Can you help me, Garrett. I need you to help me. Tell me why you're different. Why are you so old? Are you really my brother? Why aren't you ten anymore, Garrett? What's happening? Are Mom and Dad coming for me? When are they coming?
Garrett did the best he could. He did his best to explain to Sam that he had died ten years ago. Sam could not believe it. He couldn't understand. When Garrett asked Sam what he had been doing for ten years, Sam could not explain. Ten years meant nothing to him. For a ghost, there is no time. There is only memories, and longing to be somewhere...longing to be loved and at home, wherever that is. Sam didn't understand that he was dead, he didn't feel dead, he just felt a longing for his family. He he felt alone most of the time.
For quite some time, Garrett stayed in room 816, on the 8th floor of the Hilton and he talked to his little brother. He told him he loved him, that he missed him and that he would never have to be alone again. He told him that he would bring Mom and Dad to see him, that he should wait just a little while. Little did he know it was a promise that would be long in keeping. But Garrett told Sam he would come back to see his little brother, and that he would come back soon.
And he did come back. But it didn't go well. Not at all.
"Garrett! Garrett! GARRETT!" he had cried to no avail. "What am I supposed to do?" he called out after the absent boy. But with the ding of the elevator, Garrett was gone.
So, once again he returned to the confusion that exists in the mind of a ghost. Sam returned to quiet corner of the room. He examined his surroundings. Things were mostly same, but somehow different. The bedspread was different. The TV was new. The curtains changed. He didn't remember all of these things happening, but he knew that things were different. In fact, when he thought about it, he remembered seeing several different bedspreads, curtains and pillows. He wondered how long he had been here. Had it been a day? A week? A year? Ten years? Sam still felt like an 8 year old boy. He looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were read from crying. Had he been crying? He couldn't remember why.
Then he remembered his parents and thought about them for a long time. He thought about them for a really long long time. He thought about them for about 8 years, or was it just a moment? And then, he thought about Garrett again and wondered what Garrett might be doing. Was he playing a game? Was he in school? What grade was he in?
As he sat once again in the corner, lost in thought, the sound of the ringing elevator brightened his ears. Yes - he had heard that sound before. Just moments before, in fact. Or was it years ago? That's right - when Garrett left, he must have taken the elevator! When Garrett had run away so frightened, Sam had heard the elevator "ding" it's arrival and departure. And now it sounded again!
He waited in silent anticipation for what seemed like hours. And then, slowly, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps in the hallway. It was the soft sound of tennis shoes on the plush hotel carpet. And then slowly, ever so slowly, a young man appeared. The young man stood motionless in front of the open doorway. The hall was otherwise deserted and all was quiet.
Sam was afraid. The young man looked familiar, but it wasn't his Dad. Was it? He felt like he knew this young man, but it couldn't be Garrett. Could it? Hadn't he just seen Garrett just moments ago? Or was it years? He couldn't remember! In spite of his fear, Sam knew he had to take a chance. It just had to be Garret.
"Garrett?" he spoke softly. The young man took a quick deep breath and his eyes darted from one side of the room to the other, seeing only emptiness. He took a few steps backward remaining in desperate silence.
"Garrett," Sam spoke. "Is that you?"
Stammering, the young man spoke. "Yes. It's Garrett. Are you...are you...is your name...Sam?"
Sam fell to the floor, overjoyed that someone had finally heard him. Someone was finally here to help him understand what was happening to him. Someone could tell him where he was supposed to go and how he was going to find his parents. Finally!
But all Garrett could hear was the crying of an 8 year old boy. Garrett spoke again, "Sam, is that you, are you here? Are you okay? Are you crying? Where are you?"
Still sobbing Sam replied, "Garrett, I'm here! But I don't know why. What am I supposed to do, Garrett? Where are Mom and Dad, are they coming? Why aren't they coming for me, Garrett?"
Garrett, now in tears, said, "Sam, I can't see you. Where are you? Are you here?"
"I'm right here, Garrett." Sam said. "Tell me what I'm supposed to do. Tell me where Mom and Dad are. They are coming for me, aren't they?"
Garrett was speechless. "I...I...I don't know what to say? Sam, this is impossible! Why are you here? Why are you still here in this place? What are you doing here?"
Sam did the best a ghost can do to explain the confusion of non-being. "I don't know, Garrett. I just wait here. I keeping waiting for Mom and Dad, for you, for someone to come and get me and tell me what I'm supposed to do. Can you help me, Garrett. I need you to help me. Tell me why you're different. Why are you so old? Are you really my brother? Why aren't you ten anymore, Garrett? What's happening? Are Mom and Dad coming for me? When are they coming?
Garrett did the best he could. He did his best to explain to Sam that he had died ten years ago. Sam could not believe it. He couldn't understand. When Garrett asked Sam what he had been doing for ten years, Sam could not explain. Ten years meant nothing to him. For a ghost, there is no time. There is only memories, and longing to be somewhere...longing to be loved and at home, wherever that is. Sam didn't understand that he was dead, he didn't feel dead, he just felt a longing for his family. He he felt alone most of the time.
For quite some time, Garrett stayed in room 816, on the 8th floor of the Hilton and he talked to his little brother. He told him he loved him, that he missed him and that he would never have to be alone again. He told him that he would bring Mom and Dad to see him, that he should wait just a little while. Little did he know it was a promise that would be long in keeping. But Garrett told Sam he would come back to see his little brother, and that he would come back soon.
And he did come back. But it didn't go well. Not at all.
Garrett, Age 20
Having finished his second year of college, Garrett had a promising future. He was studying computers to become the next programmer of the next cool video game that would have all the kids in a rave. He had at least two more years of school to go and would then go on to find a place to put his talent to work.
But before all this would happen, he would have to face his memory of the past. Since those fateful few hours at the Hilton Hotel eight years ago, dreams of that moment had haunted his sleep. Did he really hear the voice of a ghost in that hallway? Was it really the voice of his dead brother? Could it be possible? There was only one way to find out. He had to go back.
He shut the trunk lid of his bright yellow Mustang convertible after taking his backpack from the otherwise empty compartment. "I don't know if I can stay here," he said, mimicking the words his mother had spoken in this very spot just eight years ago. His hands were sweaty and his heart was already beating at a fast pace even before he entered the lobby.
The Hotel clerk asked him if he had a reservation and Garrett replied, "No. No reservation. I was just wondering if you might have a non-smoking room available."
"Of course, just a moment," the clerk replied. "Yes - we have some non-smoking suites available on the 8th floor or a smaller room if you prefer on the second."
"I'll take the room on the second floor." Garret said without hesitating. He had no desire to stay on the 8th floor. He took his key card from the clerk and made his way to the elevator. He continued to look around as if he were already being watched. He wasn't being watched, but he felt like he was. He found his room quickly and put his backpack softly on one of the beds. He sat on the other, wondering what it was he was supposed to do next. He knew that eventually, he would have to make his way up there. Up there, to the 8th floor. But he decided to wait.
He flipped through the channels on the TV, skipped dinner, and fell asleep before the sun went down. When he woke up several hours later, it was well past midnight and all was quiet in the hotel except for the noise of the TV which he had left on. He hit the power button on the TV set and it clicked off with an electronic pop.
What he didn't know was that Sam was still in room 816 waiting. Waiting for something or someone. What he didn't know is that he would be speaking with him in only a few moments. He stood up, left the room, and headed for the elevator. Cautiously, he pressed the "up" arrow and waited for the elevator to arrive, which it did.
BING, the elevator sounded. The doors slid open and he stepped inside. In seconds, the doors slid closed again and he stood all alone in the small box. His finger pressed the "8" on the control panel and the elevator began to rise.
But before all this would happen, he would have to face his memory of the past. Since those fateful few hours at the Hilton Hotel eight years ago, dreams of that moment had haunted his sleep. Did he really hear the voice of a ghost in that hallway? Was it really the voice of his dead brother? Could it be possible? There was only one way to find out. He had to go back.
He shut the trunk lid of his bright yellow Mustang convertible after taking his backpack from the otherwise empty compartment. "I don't know if I can stay here," he said, mimicking the words his mother had spoken in this very spot just eight years ago. His hands were sweaty and his heart was already beating at a fast pace even before he entered the lobby.
The Hotel clerk asked him if he had a reservation and Garrett replied, "No. No reservation. I was just wondering if you might have a non-smoking room available."
"Of course, just a moment," the clerk replied. "Yes - we have some non-smoking suites available on the 8th floor or a smaller room if you prefer on the second."
"I'll take the room on the second floor." Garret said without hesitating. He had no desire to stay on the 8th floor. He took his key card from the clerk and made his way to the elevator. He continued to look around as if he were already being watched. He wasn't being watched, but he felt like he was. He found his room quickly and put his backpack softly on one of the beds. He sat on the other, wondering what it was he was supposed to do next. He knew that eventually, he would have to make his way up there. Up there, to the 8th floor. But he decided to wait.
He flipped through the channels on the TV, skipped dinner, and fell asleep before the sun went down. When he woke up several hours later, it was well past midnight and all was quiet in the hotel except for the noise of the TV which he had left on. He hit the power button on the TV set and it clicked off with an electronic pop.
What he didn't know was that Sam was still in room 816 waiting. Waiting for something or someone. What he didn't know is that he would be speaking with him in only a few moments. He stood up, left the room, and headed for the elevator. Cautiously, he pressed the "up" arrow and waited for the elevator to arrive, which it did.
BING, the elevator sounded. The doors slid open and he stepped inside. In seconds, the doors slid closed again and he stood all alone in the small box. His finger pressed the "8" on the control panel and the elevator began to rise.
Unbelievable.
When Garrett returned to the room on the 4th floor, Ginger could immediately tell that he was upset. No, not upset - he was afraid!
"What's wrong, honey?" she asked. "You look like you've just seen a ghost?"
"A what? A ghost? What?" said Garrett, still breathing hard. "No, I didn't see a ghost! Why would you say that I had seen a ghost! That's ridiculous. There's no such thing as ghosts! I didn't see a ghost! I didn't hear a ghost either! Nope, no ghosts for me!" Garrett argued more with himself than his mother.
"Of course you didn't see a ghost, hon. I just said you 'looked like you've seen a ghost.' What's the problem? Is everything okay?" she asked again. He said nothing, thinking about what to tell them that he had heard in the hallway of the 8th floor.
"I think this place just spooks him." Lee said. "Staying here is a tough reminder for all of us about losing Sam. I know it's been two years ago, but being here brings it all back. Maybe we should just check out and go somewhere else," he finished. That must be it, Garrett thought to himself. It's just this place and these memories that are spooking me.
Garrett decided to tell them nothing. The family left the hotel and drove a few miles further to stay at a Holiday Inn. There were no ghosts at the Holiday Inn. While they were there, Garrett finally got the best of the Joker.
He didn't go back to the Hilton hotel for 8 years.
"What's wrong, honey?" she asked. "You look like you've just seen a ghost?"
"A what? A ghost? What?" said Garrett, still breathing hard. "No, I didn't see a ghost! Why would you say that I had seen a ghost! That's ridiculous. There's no such thing as ghosts! I didn't see a ghost! I didn't hear a ghost either! Nope, no ghosts for me!" Garrett argued more with himself than his mother.
"Of course you didn't see a ghost, hon. I just said you 'looked like you've seen a ghost.' What's the problem? Is everything okay?" she asked again. He said nothing, thinking about what to tell them that he had heard in the hallway of the 8th floor.
"I think this place just spooks him." Lee said. "Staying here is a tough reminder for all of us about losing Sam. I know it's been two years ago, but being here brings it all back. Maybe we should just check out and go somewhere else," he finished. That must be it, Garrett thought to himself. It's just this place and these memories that are spooking me.
Garrett decided to tell them nothing. The family left the hotel and drove a few miles further to stay at a Holiday Inn. There were no ghosts at the Holiday Inn. While they were there, Garrett finally got the best of the Joker.
He didn't go back to the Hilton hotel for 8 years.
Garrett, Meet Sam, Again.
As Sam waited, he sat. As he sat, he listened. He heard the ding of an elevator door, and then nothing. Nothing for a long time.
As he listened he heard a voice in the hallway say, "Yeah, Mom." And then, "okay." Then he heard the shuffling of someone walking up to the open door to room 816 where time seemed to stand still.
"Hello?" Sam said timidly. The shuffling pants stopped.
"Hello!? Said again, a bit louder.
"He looked out into the hallway where a 12 year old boy was inching by ever so slowly. It was Garrett. He thought he could remember Garrett. He had to remember Garrett because he knew the face. He knew the name. He said it out loud. "Garrett?"
Garrett, wide eyed, turned his face into the empty doorway. He stood still for a moment staring blankly through the seeming emptiness of the room. It was evident that he could see no one, but he was certain he had heard his name. His little brother stood before him, invisible to him. The voice was all he could hear.
"Garrett." Sam said again. "What am I supposed to do? Are Mom and Dad coming? What am I supposed to do?" Sam began to feel frantic. Desperately he needed to know how to move on from this place. Wanting to know where he was supposed to be. Needing to know how long he must wait in this place. Longing to find and see his parents once again.
But in that moment, he only saw fear in Garrett's eyes. Sam could see it in the way he was breathing. He didn't know why Garrett was afraid, only that he was. And as quickly as Garrett had appeared, he disappeared again. In terror, his older brother ran from the front door of the room, down the hall toward the elevator. In seconds, Sam heard the ding of the elevator. And with that sound, Garrett was gone. For a while. For a long, long while.
As he listened he heard a voice in the hallway say, "Yeah, Mom." And then, "okay." Then he heard the shuffling of someone walking up to the open door to room 816 where time seemed to stand still.
"Hello?" Sam said timidly. The shuffling pants stopped.
"Hello!? Said again, a bit louder.
"He looked out into the hallway where a 12 year old boy was inching by ever so slowly. It was Garrett. He thought he could remember Garrett. He had to remember Garrett because he knew the face. He knew the name. He said it out loud. "Garrett?"
Garrett, wide eyed, turned his face into the empty doorway. He stood still for a moment staring blankly through the seeming emptiness of the room. It was evident that he could see no one, but he was certain he had heard his name. His little brother stood before him, invisible to him. The voice was all he could hear.
"Garrett." Sam said again. "What am I supposed to do? Are Mom and Dad coming? What am I supposed to do?" Sam began to feel frantic. Desperately he needed to know how to move on from this place. Wanting to know where he was supposed to be. Needing to know how long he must wait in this place. Longing to find and see his parents once again.
But in that moment, he only saw fear in Garrett's eyes. Sam could see it in the way he was breathing. He didn't know why Garrett was afraid, only that he was. And as quickly as Garrett had appeared, he disappeared again. In terror, his older brother ran from the front door of the room, down the hall toward the elevator. In seconds, Sam heard the ding of the elevator. And with that sound, Garrett was gone. For a while. For a long, long while.
Garrett
"I don't know if I can stay here," Ginger said. It was understandable. The family had come to town to visit some friends and to save time and money had picked the same hotel, the Hilton, where they stayed when their youngest son Sam had been about to visit the special doctor. It was the last place they spoke to him. It was a very very hard memory for them.
"I know. I feel the same way," said Lee. Sadness overtook them both as they remembered the occasion as if it were yesterday. It had been two years ago.
"What's the problem?" said Garrett as he pulled his backpack out of the trunk of their minivan. "It's just a hotel," he added. In one swift motion, he shouldered his pack and faced the front door of the Hilton. "C'mon." He said. Garrett turned, lifted his youngest sister Savannah out of her car seat, took her by the hand and lead her through the revolving door at the front of the building.
Lee and Ginger looked each other in the eye. Getting their 8 year old daughter Emma out of the van Ginger said, "It is the closest place and the most affordable." They agreed and entered the door to check in. They had made no reservations. The small town hotel rarely filled to capacity and today would be no different. The evening clerk assigned them a non-smoking room on the 4th floor.
The room was comfortable, but not as large as Sam's suite on the 8th floor. Two years ago, they had needed the extra room to take care of Sam and make sure he had his rest. This day, they would all bunk in a small room. Lee, Ginger, Garrett, Emma and Savannah on the fourth floor. They didn't know that Sam was on the 8th floor waiting for them.
After unpacking a few small things, putting some playing cards and his PS2 in his cargo pants pocket, Garrett said, "I'm going to go exploring, okay?" What he had hoped to do was to escape the sadness and misery that often accompanied his parents these days. He would find a nice quiet place to sit and concentrate on defeating the next level of his new Batman game. Then he wouldn't have to think about Sam or worry about what his parents were thinking or worry that he might say the wrong thing. Before he left, Ginger, his mom, made sure he tucked the small two-way radio in the other pocket of his pants before he left the room. Ready for action, he headed for the elevator.
As God's providence would have it, Garrett found his nice quiet place at the end of the long corridor on the eight and top floor of the hotel. The large suites on the floor were expensive and since there wasn't much demand for expensive suites in the small town, there was no one on the floor but himself. He felt as if he had the whole hotel to himself. For about an hour he sat quiet and unbothered as he battled the Joker in PS2 fashion. Just as he was about to smite the Joker into oblivion, his mother keyed in the radio.
"Garrett" he heard her electronic voice.
He returned the reply, "Yeah, mom," he said.
"Head back the room, buddy, we're about to go grab something to eat," she said.
"Okay," his short reply. He stuffed the radio back into his pocket and pushed the pause button on his game, convinced he would have time to finish the Joker off before they left for dinner. As he walked down the lonely hallway, he passed the open door of room 816. In that moment, his life changed forever.
"I know. I feel the same way," said Lee. Sadness overtook them both as they remembered the occasion as if it were yesterday. It had been two years ago.
"What's the problem?" said Garrett as he pulled his backpack out of the trunk of their minivan. "It's just a hotel," he added. In one swift motion, he shouldered his pack and faced the front door of the Hilton. "C'mon." He said. Garrett turned, lifted his youngest sister Savannah out of her car seat, took her by the hand and lead her through the revolving door at the front of the building.
Lee and Ginger looked each other in the eye. Getting their 8 year old daughter Emma out of the van Ginger said, "It is the closest place and the most affordable." They agreed and entered the door to check in. They had made no reservations. The small town hotel rarely filled to capacity and today would be no different. The evening clerk assigned them a non-smoking room on the 4th floor.
The room was comfortable, but not as large as Sam's suite on the 8th floor. Two years ago, they had needed the extra room to take care of Sam and make sure he had his rest. This day, they would all bunk in a small room. Lee, Ginger, Garrett, Emma and Savannah on the fourth floor. They didn't know that Sam was on the 8th floor waiting for them.
After unpacking a few small things, putting some playing cards and his PS2 in his cargo pants pocket, Garrett said, "I'm going to go exploring, okay?" What he had hoped to do was to escape the sadness and misery that often accompanied his parents these days. He would find a nice quiet place to sit and concentrate on defeating the next level of his new Batman game. Then he wouldn't have to think about Sam or worry about what his parents were thinking or worry that he might say the wrong thing. Before he left, Ginger, his mom, made sure he tucked the small two-way radio in the other pocket of his pants before he left the room. Ready for action, he headed for the elevator.
As God's providence would have it, Garrett found his nice quiet place at the end of the long corridor on the eight and top floor of the hotel. The large suites on the floor were expensive and since there wasn't much demand for expensive suites in the small town, there was no one on the floor but himself. He felt as if he had the whole hotel to himself. For about an hour he sat quiet and unbothered as he battled the Joker in PS2 fashion. Just as he was about to smite the Joker into oblivion, his mother keyed in the radio.
"Garrett" he heard her electronic voice.
He returned the reply, "Yeah, mom," he said.
"Head back the room, buddy, we're about to go grab something to eat," she said.
"Okay," his short reply. He stuffed the radio back into his pocket and pushed the pause button on his game, convinced he would have time to finish the Joker off before they left for dinner. As he walked down the lonely hallway, he passed the open door of room 816. In that moment, his life changed forever.
Sam
Sam was a ghost. It took him a while to figure it out, but was indeed, dead. Yep. Dead all over. But being a young ghost, and in a rather peculiar circumstance, it took him some time to figure out where he was supposed to go - what he was supposed to do. He felt that there must be an eternity of good out there...waiting for him, longing for him. But the world is not a nice place for ghosts. In fact, the world wasn't really a nice place for him while he was alive.
What Sam knew is that he was in a place that wasn't home. Unfortunately, he didn't know where else to go, or how to get there if he did. His mother and father had been gone for a long time, but he couldn't tell know how long. He knew they were here once, a long time ago, or maybe a short time ago. He remembered that they were good people who loved him. He remembered their faces and held on to that memory with every fiber of himself. He thought of them often.
Sam the ghost didn't really do much. There wasn't much to do couped up in a hotel room. Mostly, he sat in the corner of the room he was familiar with and waited for something. He didn't know exactly what he was waiting for, only that he was waiting for something. Maybe he's waiting for his parents to come back, but it was hard to stay hopeful. Sometimes, it seemed like such a long time. Sometimes it seemed like no time at all. Maybe he was waiting for someone to come and tell him what he was supposed to do or where he was supposed to go or what he was supposed to be thinking about. When he thought about it, he could remember the last time he saw them, but he didn't remember how long it has been. He surely didn't know that has been 72 years since he saw them. In Sam's ghost mind, it might have been 72 years, or it might have been yesterday. What he doesn't know is that they have not been looking for him for 72 years.
72 years ago Sam's parents buried his small worn out body in an ordinary cemetery just outside their home town. It's a nice cemetery, but Sam has never seen it. He couldn't imagine it because his spirit had never been there. His parents spent many nights crying and mourning over the death of their son, but he didn't know that. He felt sure that they must miss him, that they must be looking for him. He hoped that one day or one moment everything will be understandable, but until that moment...he would wait.
Sam was also very strong in spirit. In fact, he is uniquely strong. He didn't really know that either. What he also didn't know is that when a person dies, their spirit usually leaves their body the moment it dies, and not days before as his did. Sam didn't follow the rules. He didn't know he was supposed to follow the rules. He didn't know there were rules about these things.
72 and a half years ago, when Sam was alive, Sam got sick. No one really knew what kind of sickness he had, only that his body was very weak and he would have to lay in bed for long days at a time. Then, toward the end, when Sam was only eight years old, his parents brought him to the city to see a special kind of doctor they thought could help. They hoped he could tell them why Sam was so sick and so weak all the time. In the city...in that hotel room where they stayed is the where Sam sat and waited, 72 years later.
The day before they were to take Sam to see the special doctor, his spirit decided to leave behind the small sick body. He lie in bed just wishing to be rid of it. He was sick of being sick and tired of being tired. He wished so hard that he just left his body behind. He came right out of it. I can't explain how, but this is how things happened. What is rather strange is that his body kept on living. Well, not really living, but it kept breathing and it's heart kept beating and it went on for several days. Though he was so strong in spirit, Sam didn't know that he would never be able to go back to his small, weak, and dying body.
During those days his body did not speak or eat or drink. It was kept alive with some needles and tubes and machines. The doctor finally said that they should not expect Sam to come back, and the doctor was right. So Sam's Mom and Dad spent several hours saying goodbye to Sam. And with great sadness, they let his body die.
What they didn't know, for how could they, was that Sam's spirit was still in the hotel. What they didn't know was that it wasn't supposed to happen that way, but that Sam's spirit was so strong, unlike his body, that it had left his body simply by choosing to do so. What they didn't know was that Sam, so strong in spirit, but so weak in body, had decided that he would just leave that small worn out body and venture out. Little did he know that he would not be able to go back.
For 72 years, Sam sat in the corner of room 816 at the Hilton hotel, waiting for something he could not understand. Sometimes Sam could feel people around him, but he could not see them or hear them. Sometimes, most times, he felt that they were good people. But sometimes, not nearly as often, he felt like they were not good people. But whoever they are and wherever they are, he was comforted to feel people around him. When he felt them nearby, he was less lonely. When he felt them, he was hopeful that one day one of these people would find him here and help him discover what it is he's waiting for.
Time is a difficult thing for ghosts to tell. What most people don't know is that time doesn't pass for a ghost like it does for the living. Ghost minds don't work the way living minds do, thank goodness. If a ghost sets his mind to think about something, as Sam often thought about his Mom and Dad, he might spend a week or two or three years thinking about that something as if only a moment has passed. This is why Sam isn't fully aware that he's been dead for 72 years.
What Sam thinks about almost as much as he thinks about his parents is Garrett. Garrett is alive. Sam is sure of that because he can see Garrett. So he passes the time. Waiting. Thinking. Remembering. And occasionally, visiting with his only friend and his big brother, Garrett.
We should go back to the time that Sam the Ghost first met Garrett. It was a memorable moment for both them.
What Sam knew is that he was in a place that wasn't home. Unfortunately, he didn't know where else to go, or how to get there if he did. His mother and father had been gone for a long time, but he couldn't tell know how long. He knew they were here once, a long time ago, or maybe a short time ago. He remembered that they were good people who loved him. He remembered their faces and held on to that memory with every fiber of himself. He thought of them often.
Sam the ghost didn't really do much. There wasn't much to do couped up in a hotel room. Mostly, he sat in the corner of the room he was familiar with and waited for something. He didn't know exactly what he was waiting for, only that he was waiting for something. Maybe he's waiting for his parents to come back, but it was hard to stay hopeful. Sometimes, it seemed like such a long time. Sometimes it seemed like no time at all. Maybe he was waiting for someone to come and tell him what he was supposed to do or where he was supposed to go or what he was supposed to be thinking about. When he thought about it, he could remember the last time he saw them, but he didn't remember how long it has been. He surely didn't know that has been 72 years since he saw them. In Sam's ghost mind, it might have been 72 years, or it might have been yesterday. What he doesn't know is that they have not been looking for him for 72 years.
72 years ago Sam's parents buried his small worn out body in an ordinary cemetery just outside their home town. It's a nice cemetery, but Sam has never seen it. He couldn't imagine it because his spirit had never been there. His parents spent many nights crying and mourning over the death of their son, but he didn't know that. He felt sure that they must miss him, that they must be looking for him. He hoped that one day or one moment everything will be understandable, but until that moment...he would wait.
Sam was also very strong in spirit. In fact, he is uniquely strong. He didn't really know that either. What he also didn't know is that when a person dies, their spirit usually leaves their body the moment it dies, and not days before as his did. Sam didn't follow the rules. He didn't know he was supposed to follow the rules. He didn't know there were rules about these things.
72 and a half years ago, when Sam was alive, Sam got sick. No one really knew what kind of sickness he had, only that his body was very weak and he would have to lay in bed for long days at a time. Then, toward the end, when Sam was only eight years old, his parents brought him to the city to see a special kind of doctor they thought could help. They hoped he could tell them why Sam was so sick and so weak all the time. In the city...in that hotel room where they stayed is the where Sam sat and waited, 72 years later.
The day before they were to take Sam to see the special doctor, his spirit decided to leave behind the small sick body. He lie in bed just wishing to be rid of it. He was sick of being sick and tired of being tired. He wished so hard that he just left his body behind. He came right out of it. I can't explain how, but this is how things happened. What is rather strange is that his body kept on living. Well, not really living, but it kept breathing and it's heart kept beating and it went on for several days. Though he was so strong in spirit, Sam didn't know that he would never be able to go back to his small, weak, and dying body.
During those days his body did not speak or eat or drink. It was kept alive with some needles and tubes and machines. The doctor finally said that they should not expect Sam to come back, and the doctor was right. So Sam's Mom and Dad spent several hours saying goodbye to Sam. And with great sadness, they let his body die.
What they didn't know, for how could they, was that Sam's spirit was still in the hotel. What they didn't know was that it wasn't supposed to happen that way, but that Sam's spirit was so strong, unlike his body, that it had left his body simply by choosing to do so. What they didn't know was that Sam, so strong in spirit, but so weak in body, had decided that he would just leave that small worn out body and venture out. Little did he know that he would not be able to go back.
For 72 years, Sam sat in the corner of room 816 at the Hilton hotel, waiting for something he could not understand. Sometimes Sam could feel people around him, but he could not see them or hear them. Sometimes, most times, he felt that they were good people. But sometimes, not nearly as often, he felt like they were not good people. But whoever they are and wherever they are, he was comforted to feel people around him. When he felt them nearby, he was less lonely. When he felt them, he was hopeful that one day one of these people would find him here and help him discover what it is he's waiting for.
Time is a difficult thing for ghosts to tell. What most people don't know is that time doesn't pass for a ghost like it does for the living. Ghost minds don't work the way living minds do, thank goodness. If a ghost sets his mind to think about something, as Sam often thought about his Mom and Dad, he might spend a week or two or three years thinking about that something as if only a moment has passed. This is why Sam isn't fully aware that he's been dead for 72 years.
What Sam thinks about almost as much as he thinks about his parents is Garrett. Garrett is alive. Sam is sure of that because he can see Garrett. So he passes the time. Waiting. Thinking. Remembering. And occasionally, visiting with his only friend and his big brother, Garrett.
We should go back to the time that Sam the Ghost first met Garrett. It was a memorable moment for both them.