I had made peace. With my past, with dreams unrealized, with those left behind. Heading towards the warm, yellow light should have brought me to some form of afterlife. Even the voice of a child, talking to herself in all earnest, didn’t warn me of what would come.

“Miss, miss! What do you think of Mr. Piggles’ question?”

She looked so hopeful, as if I could divine an answer for her. “Uhm… It’s reasonable, I think.”

“Right? Well, that’s decided then! Mr. Piggles does get to live alongside the Dames von Hen, no matter the smell.” She lifted her piglet plush’s arms in joy, then made her chickens slowly droop off to their place among the pillows before flopping down herself. “Miss, I wonder how you got here. Are you one of Dad’s friends?”

“I’m not sure, myself. My name is-”

“Nellie, like my favorite character in my book, right?”

That was… decidedly not my name, but I decided that disappointing a child would be the greater offense. “You’re right, how did you know?”

“You two look alike! Plus, you’re nice so far, and Nellie the character is always nice to others. She said that being nice costs nothing, so I always try my best to be nice!” Beaming with pride, she bounces off of her bed to show me this character in her book.

Her room is comfortably chaotic, plush animals strewn about and books opened on random pages, seemingly all about fantastical kingdoms and problems within. Pink seemed to be the dominating color, but it paired really well with the lighter turquoise accents.

“Do you like my room, miss?”

“It’s very pretty, you must feel like a princess every day”, I mused.

“I do! Dad always calls me his little princess when he does well at work!” Her smile did brighten up the room that bit more. Such a sweet child. “Oh, I almost forgot! My name’s Dani, and this is Nellie the character!” Her finger landed on a beautiful picture of a mermaid. A pearlescent glow surrounded her, making her deep blue tail shimmer like the night sky.

“She’s the main character, and her water kingdom is in huge danger but nobody wants to listen to her yet”, Dani explains. “Luckily she has all kinds of sea friends, like Krabbie and Bubbles here, to help her save everyone!” She gasped, startling me as well. “I told too much, didn’t I…”

“It’s alright, I’m not upset. I’ll read it when I get a chance, okay?” I felt a little sad for Dani. She didn’t seem like she got much attention from the people around her. Even if this is some dream, or test of my soul’s purity, hanging out and hearing her out is the least I could do. “Say, Dani… Maybe you could show me around the house a little?”

Dani was more than happy to show me. She stops me just as we reach the door of the living room, crouching down and peeking around the corner. A gruff voice, demanding in nature, seemingly discussing grave matters. “Okay, so”, Dani whispered, “Dad’s doing business again, and he never wants to be bothered when doing business. Here’s the plan: we’ll crawl to the other side of the room, since the door is already open. Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be”, I sigh. A little mischief here and there should be fine, right?

Of course, this was doomed from the start. Ask a kid to stay quiet, and the kid will eventually slip up. And so, with the room almost crossed, Dani bumped into a small table, and the vase on top came crashing down. She tried to quickly hide behind the couch, but to no avail. “Dani?” the voice loomed over us.

“Hey, dad…” she replied, avoiding eye contact.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Uhm… I wanted to go to the garden… show Nellie around…”

“Who?” He looked puzzled.

Dani looked over at me, just as baffled. His eyes followed where she was looking, but he looked straight through me. “Well, Dani, just get up and walk like a normal girl. I don’t want my princess’ dresses to be filthy, or mama will have something to say about it again.”

We quickly got up and out to the garden, a massive plot filled to the brim with curated hedges, bushes and flowerbeds. Dani was clearly in her element here, wandering in the greenery, pointing at all the flowers she knew. The only thing that stood out to me was the monotonous color scheme: all white. I guess everyone has their own quirks.

After an invigorating walk with a lengthy lecture, we stopped just outside the curtain of weeping willow, cascading to the surface and rustling in the breeze. “Now this, Nellie, is my all-time favorite spot. Calm enough to actually relax, but hidden enough to spy on people!” Dani beamed. Clearly, she has lots of fun knowing things she shouldn’t know.

“Spy on who, though? Isn’t it just you and your dad here?”

“Yeah, but there’s plenty of people who stop by! Sometimes they even stay the night, but they try to hide it from me. Dad’s friends, mostly.”

Those friends… There’s something off about them, I just can’t put my finger on it yet. Should I really be prying into private issues of strangers, though? I decided against my better judgement.

“These friends of your dad’s, Dani… What are they like?” I asked, trying to sound only mildly interested.

“Uhm… Most of them are dressed really flashy, and they really like telling me all about it. Why?”

“Oh, nothing too serious.” Dani stared at me, unsure whether she should believe me or not. Deciding to leave it for now, she turned back to the weeping willow and held open the curtain of leaves. I entered and fell right into paradise. A sheet of tulle covered part of the tree, so the petals wouldn’t keep raining down over time, while the trunk held a small shed. Dani really had decorated it to the nines. Rugs, blankets and giant plushies all around, this really made for a fantastic getaway right within bounds!

We’d barely sat down when I got my first glimpse of the glitz and glamor that walked into this house: two stunning ladies came into view, wobbling on the gravel pathway in their impossibly high heels.

“Oh, those ladies come here often! Though, usually they’re with a few more people and a lot more cameras and stuff.” Dani said, puzzled by their appearance. “Maybe if we keep quiet, we can catch some of their conversation!”

She gleefully nestled up to the tree trunk, trying her best to blend in. I figured I’d play along, even though I was pretty certain people couldn’t see me.

“…can’t get rid of the gravel, can he?” one lady sighed.

“He has to keep up appearances with the vulture, Giselle… He gets paid for this work just as much as we do”, the other retorted. Giselle blew some platinum blond strands out of her face. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Let’s just get this over with, then.” With more stumbling and grumbling, they left our range of hearing again.

“Vulture… Those are the birds that eat dead people in deserts, right?” Dani asked, a quiver sneaking into her voice. “Why would a vulture care for dad? He’s alive!”

“People can also be called vultures, if they’re out for someone else’s belongings…” I mused. We looked each other in the eye, then set off back to the house at once. Without hesitation, Dani threw open the door to the living room, yelling for her dad.

“What, princess, what is it?!” he stumbled, struggling with the buttons of his dress shirt and slamming the guest room door shut. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I was just bored”, Dani feigned innocence. “What are you doing there?”

“Oh, nothing important, princess, nothing important at all. I do need some time though, so can you go play with that new friend of yours?” he said, before cracking the door open and slithering through. A glimmer of a camera lens greets us before the door shuts once more. Looking at Dani, I could tell she was baffled by her dad’s behavior. I mirror her confusion, careful to hide my own realization of what’s happening behind closed doors.

“Let’s go back to your room, Dani.” I wanted to get away from this scene as soon as possible.

After a few moments of hesitation, she followed.

A few hours had passed, with Dani managing her plushie queendom while I finally read the book about my supposed namesake. It looked like Nellie was just this world’s version of The Little Mermaid. It made me wonder what else has changed in this universe.

The contemplating came to a sudden end, however, when the doorbell rang. A shrill noise, almost signalling unwanted attention. At first, Dani and I just looked at each other. Surely her dad would get the door? But a second warning rang through the house. We stood up in unison, Dani ready to brave this unknown visitor, while I tried to shield her. Well, as far as that goes, with me being a ghost or imaginary friend. Sneaking down the stairs, I tried to make sense of the figure that darkened the matted glass. But before I could go and size this visitor up, Dani pulled me into the nook of the staircase.

“I’m not allowed to open the door for anyone, but this is the best hiding place for watching who’s at the door!” she stumbled over her words. Her brow furrowed when her dad finally appeared at the door, fairly disheveled. As it opened, I bit back my surprise. All I could look at, was the scar that ran across this giant’s face. Dani squeezed my hand, fear seeping into my fingers.

“Oh, yes, right, mister Adam, of course, the 24th…” Dani’s dad stumbled over his words, equally worked up and exhausted.

“Yes, Josh, the 24th”, Adam repeated. Dani’s dad, or Josh, scurried away without another word. While Adam scanned the interior from his place at the door, I whispered to Dani: “Do you remember someone like this guy ever coming over?”

“Never! Dad looked super scared when he saw this mister Adam guy, though… Nellie, do you think he’s going to do something to Dad?”

“I don’t think so…” I said lamely. Even if something happened, we would be powerless to stop it. Better not to think too hard about it.

We were stirred to action again when Josh returned, holding a stack of money in each hand. His shirt seemed just a tint darker than before. “Mister Adam, please believe me when I say that this is all I have right now! I can get more in about a week- no, make that five days, just, please-”

“I thought we had a deal, Josh”, Adam said, his frown deepening. Deaf against Josh’s begging, he reached for something behind him. Relief escaped my throat as he revealed it was just a pocket notebook and pen. “2 days. No more. You figure it out, Josh, and we go back to regular. If not… I hope your daughter isn’t around in 2 days.” He turned around and walked off.

“Yes, of course, sir!” Josh yelled after him. He quietly rested his head against the door, before slamming it closed and going back to his room full of secrets. Though the room seemed soundproof when Dani knocked earlier in the day, we now heard a lot of yelling and perhaps some words Dani shouldn’t learn just yet.

“I think we’re good to sneak out”, I said, hoping to drown out whatever Dani was thinking of this entire interaction. She nodded and crawled out of our hiding space. Her eyes held no sign of her mischievous yet sweet nature, instead replacing it with a yawning emptiness. I took her hand, gently trying to lead her away from this moment, but Dani didn’t budge.

“I’m supposed to order dinner”, she said, her voice infinitely smaller.

“Right, that sounds like a good task!” I sounded way too excited. “What about pizza? Sounds yummy, right?”

“I need Dad’s phone to order.” She shrunk back from the door ever so slightly.

“Of course, that’s- oh… Yeah, maybe we won’t bother him right now.” I admitted. We fell silent again. My mind churned out idea after idea to help Dani, soothe Dani, comfort Dani, get Dani out of this spot, but every single one was rejected just as swiftly as it was thought up.

But then, she started moving of her own accord, feet shuffling over the polished floors. She mumbled under her breath, “maybe soup”, and walked over to the kitchen. I followed Dani into a spacious kitchen, filled with appliances, windows and the glow of the late afternoon sun. She had already grabbed all of her necessities, turning on the stove just as I peeked around the corner. Even from behind, I could tell that she was going through the motions, oblivious to everything but the task at hand. A sudden familiarity stung my eyes, but I kept up appearances. I should be the strong one, now that I’ve grown and lived a life.

“Do you need any help?” I asked, just to be sure.

“It’s okay”, Dani tried to say, but her voice betrayed her. She shrunk in on herself, desperately trying to keep her tears at bay.

“Come here, sweetie”, I murmured, and then she crashed into me. It had been a while since I hugged a person, let alone comforted someone. I started awkwardly patting her hair while the tears soaked into my clothes. She was so quiet. I wonder where she learned to cry silently.

“Okay, okay, make the soup”, Dani whispered to herself. She lingered a second longer, then peeled out of our embrace to tend to the soup again. “Can you set the table?”

“I’ll try!” I said. I did hug her, so surely I can also touch inanimate objects? I set out to find silverware first, thinking it wouldn’t shatter on me. Sure enough, I successfully delivered the spoons, then the glasses and drinks to the table. Just as Dani was serving up the soup, Josh wandered in.

“Dani, did you cook for me? You’re such an angel”, he said. He sounded happy enough, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Sitting down at the head of the table, mere inches away from where I had sat down, he finally noticed my own bowl of soup. “Princess, why are there three bowls? Are you expecting someone?”

Dani flinched, just an inch, but he noticed. None of the happiness remained in his voice. “What did you do?”

“I made a mistake, Dad, I’m sorry!”

“And what do I do when you make a mistake, Dani?”

The air pressed down on us. They knew what would happen, and I could very well assume. Before either of them could act on their instincts, I bumped into the table and spilled the soup. They both yelped in sync, but Dani recovered earlier and went to get paper towels.

“That’s it!” Josh roared, “we’re out of this haunted hellhole! Leave it Dani, grab your bags, we’re going right now!”

“Wh-what?” she stuttered.

“You heard me”, he stormed over to her, pushing his face dangerously close to hers. “We’re leaving. Right now. Grab your bags.”

She ducked out of the way to hurry upstairs. I followed, only to run right into her already on her way out of the room. “Does he do this often?” I asked breathlessly.

“What’s often?” she replied, carrying two large shoulder bags. She stumbled back into her room, picking up some plushies and books. I laid eyes on the book with mermaid Nellie, picked it up slowly. Dani noticed. She notices so much. Perhaps too much. She held her bag open, letting me stuff it in with all of the clothes, essentials, and so few trinkets. We ran downstairs again, where Josh prowled the foyer. “Finally”, he growled, snatching the bags from Dani. He threw open the door, letting it slam into the wall as he hustled towards his car to pack it to the brim. “Get in the car, Dani!” he yelled on his way back, surely for those expensive cameras. Yet she stood frozen.

“Papa?” she whispered. It was lost to him, cursing out a shattered lens.

“Dani.”

She turned to me, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t want to go”, she said, holding back big sobs.

“What was that?” Josh said, suddenly silent. He crept up to Dani, who in turn backed up until she hit the wall. She made herself as small as she could, as Josh loomed over her. Without warning, his hand shot around Dani’s neck, wrapping around too tightly. “You ruin everything, you know that?” he whispered, voice dripping with poison. “You have been my worst mistake since you were born. I thought you would fix my relationship with Mom, you know?”

Dani could only stare at him, terrified.

“But instead, she drifted even further away from me. She left me high and dry. No money for the debts, and a brat on top of it all. Though, you’ve been a good enough shield.”

She scratched at his hands, so brave, so futile. I wanted to scream, move, do anything at all. None of the muscles reacted to my brain’s commands.

“You did a job, and you’re gonna continue to do a job for me, Dani. You’re the only reason I’m alive. So you’re going to keep me alive. You can do that, right, princess?”

She could barely nod her head, but it was enough of a sign for Josh. He threw her away, letting her skid on the marble floor before turning his back again. “I will not ask again. Get in the car.”

Dani still laid on the floor, still as a statue. I inched closer. Trembling slightly, I reached for her cheek, where I was met with her warmth again. My sigh of relief was cut short when I looked at Josh. He looked right back at me. In the eyes this time.

“Who the hell are you?! Get away from her!” he yelled, running to pounce on me. I jumped away from her, which made Josh look around like a cornered predator. “Where did you go?!” he yelled into the foyer, pacing back and forth between all of my possible escape routes. When he turned his back to Dani again, I carried her back to the alcove underneath the grand stairs. Another sigh escaped me as her eyes fluttered open, only a little dazed. Our mutual relief was short-lived when Josh returned to the foyer, now missing his solution to the problems he amassed.

“DANI!” he roared. “You are going to come out of hiding right now, princess, and you’re going to come with me. This is our only option if we wanna stay together, just us two. You want that, right?”

“Dad…” she whispered into her clamped hands, barely audible to me. Josh, however, pinpointed it.

“Come on out,” he demanded, “and show me a good little princess.”

My heart started aching with every slow yet deliberate move Dani made. Leaning away from me first, then letting go of my hand, every finger struggling against clinging on to comfort. But the inkling of a plan was brewing, so I squeezed her hand in what I hoped would read as reassurance. She looked at me, then fully let go.

“That’s a good girl. Now, come with me. Quietly,” Josh said. She walked towards him with all of the purpose in the world, eerily similar to a walk down the aisle. I slithered my way past Josh, standing in the doorway, ready to physically block him off. I’m not a fighter, but surely I could defend Dani until help arrived? If help arrived.

When Dani was finally in his reach, he snatched her by the arm and started for the door, his freedom seemingly calling. I braced myself. But just before he crashed into me, a sharp order came from the street: “Hands where I can see them!”

I was met with lasers trained through me, on Josh. A deadly silence descended on us. Josh’ face wrinkled in disgust, Dani’s eyes grew in disbelief, and I… I just went numb. Would these officers hit me? Am I tangible even in invisibility?

Luckily, I didn’t have to worry for too long. Officers had cut off any entrypoint, and were now entering the foyer from the living room. I jumped to catch Dani as Josh pushed her aside and ran straight for his car. He didn’t get too far, though, and was soon walked off in handcuffs.

I only had eyes for Dani, searching for any marks blooming from Josh’ abuse, but finding none for now. She squeezed my hand, trying to portray her own form of strength. Her perseverance. Loud voices drifted into the foyer, distinctly authoritative. I started shielding Dani again, thinking there would be even more trouble, but she recognized these voices for their safety. “Mom? Grandma?”

She sat up as they stormed through the door and knelt beside her, overwhelmed with worry and relief at the same time. I gave them space. Looking around, I saw people moving around, going in and out of the plentiful rooms, inspecting every corner and every object left behind. A warm, fuzzy feeling washed over me, from head to toe. I did good. This little girl will be safe. She will grow into herself beautifully.

Everything seemed brighter around me. I looked at Dani again, and found her already looking at me, her eyes big and soulful. She mouthed to me, “Thank you”, as she was carried out by her mother. I raced upstairs to watch car after car pulling out of the driveway, then the road, until the street was quiet once again.

The light became blinding, even though I never turned on the light in the room I found myself in. I realized it was emanating off of me, just as it threatened to take away all of my vision.

Then it went dark.