In hindsight, that was not a great time to court any guests. Any evening visitor visiting for any leisurely amount of time would have to return home in the dark, even during summertime. This is especially true for those living in the city, as the trams do not run after sunset. Sophia would have to walk all the way back to her flat. If it were not for my heightened confidence in the moment, I would have proposed a weekend afternoon instead. Perhaps a little tea party with Jane, just as we did with Owen. But alas, I took up the first time she proposed, and there was no way of contacting her to change it. Even if I did, I would not like the look it gave me. I also forgot completely about my unusual guest, who was harder to work around. Even with my limited knowledge about the spirit, I knew it was unlikely I could stave off Alice for both the lunch and supper hours. She would certainly return to the cottage starving, unable to reason effectively as she hung about the perimeter, waiting for my guest to leave, and risk exposing herself to my unsuspecting visitor. The darkness would make the whole situation even worse if she is spotted. Who knows what she would do in that situation, whether she would fly off into the forest or disappear like a ghost. Given how many years it has been since we last interacted, I did not know how Sophia would react either. As I rode the tram home, the uncertainty clouded my thoughts in so much distress that, come supper time, I resolved I must make some concessions for that Thursday to ensure there was no possibility for such a dilemma.
Partway through our supper time together, I spoke up. “Alice, I need to tell you something. So please listen carefully.”
Perking her head up from her porridge, she gazed at me with silent curiosity.
“In a few days—I’ll tell you when—a… there will be an unusual visitor… a visitor in the middle of the week. And they will visit during the evening, which is a bit tricky given we eat together then. In the evening.”
I stopped for a few moments to see if she was following. It felt like I was stumbling over myself trying to explain this to her in a way she could understand. She did not move, and kept watching me.
“So… I’m guessing— You would have to wait until bedtime to eat. I’m guessing you can’t wait that long, right?”
She nodded slowly, as if she was still taking in what I was saying.
“Right… then… I’ll probably have to come home early, then. And I’ll have to feed you a quick meal. Then you’ll have to go hide again until the visitor leaves. Is that all right?”
She nodded more convincingly this time. I relaxed, releasing a deep breath.
“Okay,” I nodded. “That’s good.” I felt so relieved she was willing to accommodate. “So, to be sure, we will— I will let you know what day, you will have to eat early, then hide, then you can come back once she leaves. You absolutely must not let her see you, okay?”
Alice nodded again. Her face bore a resolute confidence, eyebrows knitted, lips tight, but her eyes gleaming as if she was just given a challenge she was determined to succeed. I broke a smile.
“Thank you… Just for one day, hopefully. I’ll try not to let this happen again in the future.”
Nodding, she smiled as well, beaming cheek to cheek. It seemed as if strands of hair were lifting up, off her shoulder. The girl excitedly dug back into her porridge as I relaxed my face again, realising how stiff it was that entire time. It seemed as though she was happy to make me smile.
I leaned back in my chair. A new thought occurred to me. “Speaking of… How much longer are you planning to stay?”
She looked back up. There was a trickle of porridge running down one of the sides of her mouth. A flash of concern replaced her previous smile.
“I’m not… kicking you out or anything…” I quickly added. “But… surely, you can’t stay here forever, can you?”
Silence. I did not get a nod or a shake. She simply shrank deeper into her seat, her shoulders enveloping her head.
“… You can…?”
The girl timidly nodded.
I sat in silence, dropping my gaze to her bowl and holding it there. I did not know what to say; I definitely did not want to continue this life forever. But it was tricky to proceed. I did not want to frustrate her to the point she would rescind her promise not to let anyone see her. I sighed. “Well… I’ll have to think about it some more then. I’ll get back to you on that.”
Another timid nod.
“… Try not to worry about it for now. Let me think of a solution that would suit us both.”
She nodded again, and continued with her porridge.
I did not plan very much for Sophia’s visit itself. In all likelihood, she would take a look around the house, then settle for some bread and tea. When the day came, I was able to carry out my preparations without a fuss. No customers held me back. I got home in a timely manner and reheated leftover porridge for the spirit girl. Alice showed up at the door soon after I got back. Instead of shutting the door this time, I waited there, staring out at the clearing, curious as to how she approached the cottage every evening. I saw her appear from the woods and glide through the flower field in that same ghost-like dash she did the day we met. She ate her meal quickly, then stood by the back door, waiting for me to let her out. I was surprised by how little guidance I needed to give her, as she memorized all the steps I had given her. It gave me confidence she could carry through with the instructions she was given, easing my head enough so that I could enjoy my time with an old friend without concerns. I reminded Alice I would leave the house and return with a friend before I let her out and set out myself. Back at the wall once again, I stood by in silence. The children were absent today. Checking my watch, it was almost six. Sophia should arrive soon if she took the tram. Leaving the gateway, I hoisted myself up to sit on the stumpy little wall, staring up at the partly cloudy sky whilst I waited, rubbing the smooth cover of my watch between my hands. The weather was excellent for the day we chose, the sky brilliant blue as ever. I lost track of time as I waited there, staring up at the puffy clouds as they floated endlessly across the golden green hills.