When I opened my eyes, the white light blinded me. My head ached and my eyes were puffy. I had to look around to understand where I was, since I was so invested in my dream about some orange smiley guy. I don’t remember what happened yesterday at all, not even how I ended up in bed, maybe I just got drunk and passed out. But it didn’t matter now, I was ready to start a new day.

I got up from my bed and looked in the mirror, I looked unkempt and messy, maybe I did get drunk yesterday. Never mind that, I styled my hair with my fingers a bit and proceeded to go get some breakfast.

When I got to the kitchen I saw my mom and greeted her with a “good morning” in my raspy morning voice.

She ignored me and kept cooking pancakes.

I let out another “morning”.

But mom didn’t even look my way.

No matter, maybe she was just upset with me for getting drunk yesterday.

I sat down at the table with my dad, who was watching the latest season of JoJo’s bizarre adventure, and we waited for the pancakes.

Did I do something bad? Why were they not talking to me?

Stay calm, Shane. Just focus on the lovely pancakes, the chirping of birds, the beautiful flowers and-

The orange smiley man.

I sprinted from my chair and stood, horrified from what I saw.

“This is a dream. Wake up, Shane.” I mumbled in fear.

“It’s not.” The orange man said, with a smile. “You’re dead.”

I stood petrified. I could hear him. I could see him. But most of all, I could feel his strong presence.

“Wake up, dammit.” I whispered.

“You know you can’t, Shane. You’ve seen it yourself.” He said with an infinite grin.

“Mom, dad! Help, please!” I reached out to my dad to get his attention, but my hand slipped right through his shoulder. “Dad! Save me, I’m scared.” I cried out.

“I told you already, you died by alcohol poisoning on May 8th.”

I paused as memories flooded back.

“Yesterday.” I said.

He came up closer and his smile became even more intimidating.

“You are now a ghost, Shane Rogers. And you have two options. First, you get the chance to become immortal and live as a ghost forever by accomplishing tasks that I give you. Or second, you can slowly fade away into nothing and be remembered by nobody. What will you chose?”

“What do y- What tasks?” I asked.

“All tasks that I tell you to do. Anything from baking me cupcakes to killing people.” He said, lingering around me.

“I can’t do that!”

“I guess fading away it is then.”

“N-no! I’ll do it. Just don’t erase me from existence.” I pleaded.

“Alright then, Shane. Starting today onwards, you’re going to do every task I tell you to do, or else I’ll erase you.” He snapped his hairy fingers and grinned even wider. “You can call me Julneve.”