August 13, 2025 #YouCantMakeThisS*#Up

It's the middle of the night, and Coco is the first to wake me up – purring and stretching across my chest, knocking blankets off in the process. When he climbs over, I know it's not just me awake tonight.

The crew’s coming.

Before I can even turn over, Cat slides onto the bed with a smile, like she’s been patiently waiting all night.

I grab my phone to check the time but the screen is glitching – blinking fast, like a budget disco.

Cat flashes me an excited look that says, This is a ghost problem, and I'm the specialist. Eyes locked on the flickering screen, seemingly excited she can “do this” to a cell phone - she screeches, Ghost in the machine, fr fr!

Joe appears in socks and sandals, scratching his beard like he’s readying to fix the old rabbit ears on the TV. Back in my day, we banged on the set til it behaved.

Sally exhales dramatically, sequin robe catching the moonlight. Oh Joe… if you handled your marriage like you handled a TV, you might still get reception at home.

Blows on her long nails.

Cat pulls her hoodie tighter, peeking at my phone like it's a patient in the ER. No cap, this tech’s cursed AF. But I got you fam. (Under her breath, Wish I had this effect on the living, sometimes.) Don’t worry, just gotta tweak the flux capacitor, add some jazz hands…

She waves a hand over my phone like she's casting a spell, and tiny sparkles dance from her fingertips.

Cat: Learned that from this prehistoric movie – Son-in-Law. Ever heard of it?

Joe's whole face softens. Heard of it? My daughter and I must've watched that 100 times. She quoted every line. She – – –

His voice catches.

He clears his throat, tries for a smirk. Anyway… still a classic.

Sally gives him a quick glance, then flicks her hair. Adorable. Precious even. Now let's move along before I get a whiff of how I died.

The phone blinks once… twice… then comes back to life.

Cat grins, Spectral reboot complete!

I roll my eyes while giggling. Thanks, team. Sleep now?

Joe’s slow grin spreads. Cowabunga!

Dead silence.

Catalina whispers, Oh my God.

Sally: Don’t encourage him.

I put the phone down, closing my eyes, knowing I'm never really alone. And honestly? I wouldn't want it any other way.

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