text: “I’m home!” I dropped the keys into the dish. I expected an answer, a call in return that would tell me where my partner was. But there was nothing. I frowned and moved through the house, checking each room as I went. The lounge room was empty, the front window open and the curtains blowing in the breeze. The kitchen was silent also. Dishes didn’t clutter the bench and a freshly baked cake sat on the bench, still cooling. I took a drink from the fridge, cracking it open and letting the cool liquid roll down my throat. The back deck was filled with nothing but sunshine. The seats that usually sat in the sun were folded up and leaned against the wall. They must have been cleaning the deck today, it looked as new as the day it had been built. I trailed through the house, peering into the den. The computers were off, the windows and curtains closed. All of the books that I had left sprawled over my desk were put away on the shelves. I ran my fingers over the spines. I was lucky to have someone who cared so much about how our home looked. But where was that special someone? I frowned, setting my drink down on the edge of the bench as I walked back through the kitchen. There was really only one place left. I climbed the stairs, keeping to the edge so that the creaking wouldn’t give me away. If they were in bed, I didn’t want them to get up before I got there. I so rarely caught them in bed while the sun was still up. Even though I would really love to have a shower before I crawled in with them, I didn’t want to miss this chance. Silently, I eased open the door to the bedroom. There, with the blankets tucked under their chin, was my partner. I couldn’t help the smile that came to my face as I stalked towards them, shedding my clothes with as little noise as possible. Their face was peaceful, unmarred with the small frown they often wore when they were awake. It made them look much younger. I lifted the blanket on my side of the bed and slipped into the cool sheets. My arm wrapped around their waist and I pressed a kiss to their forehead. There was a wriggle, the small frown appearing on their forehead. Slowly, like I was watching a flower open, they came awake. They lay still for a moment, staring blankly in front of them. “Good morning, my sleepyhead.” I murmured. But they didn’t say anything back. Instead, they sat up, clutching the blanket to their chest. Their eyes swept over the room, a wobble in their downward turned lips. I sat up with them, worried as I saw the broken expression on their face. “My love?” “You have to let go.” They whispered to the room. “Please... stop haunting me. I can’t take it anymore. You have to let go. I miss you more than anything, but you’re gone. I love you so much. But I can’t love a ghost.