Choose Your Own Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure

- Taeyin Choglueck

You thought it took more than television to chase off menopause, but your mother solely relied on The Legendary Birthplace—and occasionally the house floor—that summer. You attentively observed the pale-faced girls dressed as virgin ghosts. Vengeance, everyone knew, was what made them ghosts—their combination of regret, sorrow, and anger kept them in the limbo world. Though they did not always remain to wreak their vengeance. You categorized some as warnings that they judged necessary.

Each time a virgin ghost flashed onscreen, your father ripped the remote from your mother’s hand. Your mother slapped his knuckles. She repeatedly reminded him that ghosts were fake. Plus, they didn’t use weapons, only flashlights. What harm could they be? Your mother clucked her tongue and you raised an eyebrow whenever your father overreacted. It was as if he were one of those men who always felt the virgin ghosts were coming for them. What had they done that made them think they were to be the targets? You felt something between pity and glee. You didn’t have to wonder far about what your father’s grievous sins might have been. You eyed your mother and saw the tips of her ears lifting. You could guess why your mother watched the horror series. You liked the concept of an afterlife that wasn’t heaven. Like the virgin ghosts, it was also in your nature to never forget.