Jonathan cried. But his voice came out a choked whisper. The pale figure whispered, “Abigail! Abigail!” It floated closer. Jonathan could see a white nightgown and white nightcap, long gray hair flowing under it. He heard the floorboards creaking under her bare feet. It cannot be a ghost, he thought. The apparition called out softly, “Abigail! Abigail! Come back!” It is Mama, Jonathan realized, alarmed. What is she doing? His mother stepped quietly past him, not seeing him. Again she called, “Abigail!” She is walking in her sleep, Jonathan realized. She started down the stairs and Jonathan followed. She made her way to the back of the house, the ghostly white gown trailing along the floor. “Abigail!” she called a little louder this time. “Wait for me!” She opened the back door. She was going outside. Jonathan stepped forward and grabbed her arm. “Mama!” he cried in a trembling voice. “What are you doing?” She turned around, startled. Her eyes were wide open and full of tears.
