Meet Karen

“I bought a new disco tape for you, honey. Want to hear it? Hey, where’s your tape player?”

“I don’t know, Mom. Maybe the ghosts took it.”

“The ghosts took it? You’re ten Shiela. And you’re telling me you believe in ghosts, and have seen them in the house?”

“Yes, Mom. There’s one that actually lives in this house. That’s Karen. She’s 15. Well, she was when she died. And sometimes her friends come over. So maybe they borrowed my player because they’re having a party. They’re used to tape players. When can I get a CD player, Mom?”

“Shiela. I think maybe your friend Nancy might have taken your tape player. When she was here on Saturday and the two of you were shaking the house with your dancing.”

“Nancy wouldn’t do that? She already has a CD player. Why take my tape player?”

“I’m not sure. But if she knows you believe in ghosts, she may be hoping you’ll just blame them. And then she’ll have a new toy to play with. I’ll talk to her mother to see if your tape player somehow found its way into her room. She might have put it in her backpack by mistake, thinking it was hers.”

“But… Mom. Does that mean I’m crazy? Do you believe in ghosts?”

“No, honey, I’m sure you’re not crazy. Really. As sure as I am that ghosts aren’t real. In fact, how about this? Next time you see any of the ghosts, call me. If you can show me a real ghost, I’ll go right out and buy you a new CD player.”

“No kidding? You mean it? You promise?”

“Promise.”

“Yea! I’m getting a CD player. Turn around, Mom, and meet Karen.”