The Springside Police Department feels as empty as the cemetery did, although all the lights are blazing. Penny’s workstation is tidy, her computer screen dark. I swipe a Styrofoam cup from the sideboard and pour some Kona blend into it. The coffee is still hot and the steam warms my cheeks.
I know the sprites are still here. Their presence flavors the air. I breathe in their relief. True, they’re still hiding behind the file cabinet, but I think that’s so they can watch me crawl on my hands and knees to bring them another cup of coffee.
Sprites aren’t above such things.
But I don’t mind, not today. When I swap out the cold cup for the new one, their joy makes the air glimmer. Tomorrow they’ll go back to playing pranks and tormenting Penny. But tonight, they’re grateful.
And so am I.
