Chasing Ghosts

"Ramona! Get your ass up from the bed!"

The sharp voice shattered the peaceful silence of the morning, cutting through Ramona's sleep like a knife. She groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow, willing the world to disappear.

"Ramona, I swear to God, if you don't get up, I'll pour water on you," Antonia threatened, standing by the bedroom door with her hands on her hips.

Ramona let out a frustrated sigh, her body aching with exhaustion. "It's Monday already?" she grumbled, voice muffled against the pillow.

"Yes, genius. Monday. Work. Bills. Reality. Now move!"

Ramona rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She hated Mondays. She hated waking up early. But more than anything, she hated the job she had to drag herself to every morning.

The smell of freshly baked pancakes, eggs, and bacon filled the air, teasing her senses. No matter how terrible her mornings were, there was one thing that always made them slightly better—Antonia. She was the best person Ramona knew, her anchor in a world that often felt too cruel.

With a deep breath, Ramona forced herself up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "You're lucky you can cook, or else I would have murdered you for waking me up like this," she muttered, dragging herself toward the bathroom.

Antonia laughed. "You love me, and you know it!"

Ramona didn't respond, just slammed the bathroom door behind her.

By the time she emerged, showered and dressed in a fitted blouse and slacks, Antonia was already setting the table. The small apartment smelled like a dream—warm, buttery, and comforting.

Antonia placed Ramona's plate in front of her, arching a brow. "Since when do you sleep in?"

Ramona picked up her fork, stabbing at a piece of bacon. "Since I started hating my job," she said flatly.

Antonia chuckled, shaking her head. "I knew you'd say that."

They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sound being the clinking of utensils against plates. But Ramona wasn't one to stay quiet for long.

"I'm getting close, Antonia," she said suddenly, her voice filled with a quiet determination.

Antonia sighed, already knowing what was coming. "Close to what?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"To catching him. Killian. That Murderer!"

Antonia stilled, her fork hovering above her plate. "Ramona—"

"I know I'm hot on his tail," Ramona continued, ignoring the warning tone in her best friend's voice. "I have a lead, someone who knows where he'll be in two weeks."

Antonia set her fork down with a sigh. "And then what, Ramona? You just waltz in there and… what? Take him down by yourself?"

Ramona's jaw tightened. "I'll expose him. I'll make sure the whole world sees him for the monster he is."

Antonia rubbed her temples. "You've been chasing this ghost for six years. Six years, Ramona. When will you let it go?"

Ramona froze mid-bite. Her grip on the fork tightened.

"You know I can't," she said quietly.

"Why not?" Antonia pressed. "Because he murdered my father!" Ramona's voice rose, her eyes burning with an intensity that made Antonia's heart clench.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the rage inside her was like a wildfire—uncontrollable, all-consuming.

"I can't just let go of everything I've been working toward," she continued. "I am this close to getting him. And when I do, I'll make him pay."

Antonia watched her best friend, her own heart aching. "Do you even know what he looks like?"

Ramona hesitated for a second before shaking her head. "Not yet. But my lead does. They'll tell me where he'll be."

Antonia sighed deeply, her expression filled with concern. "Ramona, this is dangerous. You can't keep living like this. You're putting yourself in harm's way."

Ramona clenched her jaw, suddenly feeling exhausted by the conversation. She had heard this a million times before, but no one understood. No one had felt the pain of losing a father the way she had. No one had spent years digging through the darkness, trying to bring a monster to light.

She pushed back her chair and stood, grabbing her bag.

"I love you," she said, her voice softer now.

Antonia sighed, knowing there was no changing Ramona's mind.

"Have a great day," she said, forcing a small smile. "And stay out of trouble."

"Yeah, yeah. Love you, babes."

And with that, Ramona walked out the door, leaving Antonia behind with a heavy heart.

As the door clicked shut, Antonia let out a slow breath, staring at the now-empty seat across from her.

Ramona needed help.

She needed to let go of the past.

Or one day, it would destroy her.