Upon This Life...

" Drake, what other things have we all tried and did, only to be disappointed by going back to this mundane way of life? No, damn-be-all, I want more! The spirits that exist can show us things we never thought or knew could be experi- enced! I need that! Drake, this is a need, not a desire.

When I won my wealth, I thought it was the greatest thing to ever happen in my life. Well, time passed and I'm miserable and I need something else! "

I looked at him with dismay. " I think you're a moron for thinking this way, but I can't stop you; just let Lori know you're still thinking about her, okay? "

I felt Matt tugging at my shoulder. " Drake, if you don't want to participate, you always had those eyes of yours... could you help us follow the manual? We're conducting it right after the ball at the abandon corner shop..do you still remember it? "

The corner shop was where me and Matthew went for candy, while both father's sat down to talk. We would select candy and other goodies and come outside, only to run from the store being chased by the bullies in the neighborhood.

" Sure, " I agreed, " I've got plenty of time to kill before breakfast. "

I left Matt at that point, not caring whether he had seeked me out or not. I went to the cash bar for some drinks, when Lori appeared next to me.

" So, did you find him? "

I swallowed a gulp. " Yeah. He's not cheating on you, if that's what you're worried about. "

She looked nervously around. " Some of the other girls say they can't keep in touch with their boyfriends either.. I heard their grouping together to start some kind of war- lock society..? "

I almost spit out my drink when I heard that. Some ladies have the knack of knowing the situation without knowing all the facts; I admit that. I told her about what Matt had planned on doing this evening, as she pleaded with me, " Drake, go with him! Make sure he's okay! "

I replied I would do what I could, as I swallowed the last of my bitter liquor and try to act as pleasantly as possi- ble for the remainder of the party.

The party dragged on for quite a considerable time, until the few remaining guests helped the tipsy drinkers out of the ballroom. I had seen Lori leave with Matt, as I knew they would make up and forget their differences as they had in the past. I started my car and headed to the center of the city, where my observational skills were needed at the meeting place.

As I was thinking the sky was going to reflect the evil presence over our proceedings, it was exactly the opposite. A clear, starry night sky shone its beautiful pointed rays upon the ground as the lights complimented the display with colored fluorescent neon and diffused street lights, beckon- ing insomniacs to take a nighttime stroll under their brightness.

I spotted the old, decrepit corner store, as parked the car upon the opposite side of the street,making sure it was away from the shadows under a well-lit area.The door was slightly ajar, as I saw Matt lead me inside a candle-lit room inside the store, or what was left of it.

The counters and shelves were torn apart, as the sale signs on the walls were peeling off the walls or cobwebbed beyond recognition. The men, still in their dinner attire, started painting the tiled floor with some ancient symbols I thought long forgotten. Matt handed me a book...or what felt like a box.

" Here, Drake. Tell us if we are using the symbols properly."

I scrutinized the item he handed me.

" This book must be made of wood or something. "

He replied, " Oh, it's made out of dry human skin. "