It was getting close to midnight, and Clara Martin could see a distant light shining through her kitchen window.
It had been a long day, and for a moment, leaning against the window and clinging to her cup of tea, Clara wasn't sure if the light was actually real or if it was just her sleep deprivation finally catching up to her.
She watched as the light came closer and closer—and then, suddenly, the light wasn't just a light anymore. It was the outline of a boy, glowing brightly in the darkness, and even after all this time, she immediately recognized his curly hair and scarred lips.
Percy waved shyly at her, and Clara jumped up and ran outside to greet him.
"Percy!" She called before remembering that Clementine and Shelby were sleeping inside. "You came," she added more quietly.
"Of course," Percy said and gave her a small smile. "It's so nice to be with a friend again after all these years."
Friend. The word made Clara smile. She had been alone in her cabin for so long… It would be nice to have a friend again. "It is," Clara agreed. They stood quietly for a moment, smiling at each other, until suddenly, there was a loud bark and a flurry of white flew past her.
Percy's dark eyes widened and he let out a delighted little squeak. "Hi, Dogsmell!" The ghostly dog immediately jumped into Percy's arms and demanded to be petted. "Who's a good dog? Is it you? Are you a good doggy? Yes, you are!"
Clara laughed. She couldn't help it—it was just so sweet to see Percy so excited and carefree, cuddling with Dogsmell and giggling happily. She could barely remember the last time she had even laughed out loud.
"I missed you, buddy," Percy whispered to Dogsmell, hiding his face in the dog's long, white fur, and Dogsmell licked a tear from the ghost's cheek.
"We missed you, too," Clara said softly.
Percy looked up at her. "I'm sorry I've been away for so long."
"Well, you're here now." There was still so much they would have to talk about, but not now. For now, they could just enjoy the moment together.
"Yeah. Yeah, I am," Percy said and smiled. "It's good to be home."