When I was growing up, my father told me that made-up things like ghosts, monsters, and demons, were just baloney they tell children so they would be more obedient or be less naughty. Therefore, I never believed in the supernatural, paranormal, or anything make-belief. I was persistently told they did not exist, they are not true. Now I wish my father had told me such baloney as a child. I imagine I would be more accepting of the truth now if I had grown up like the other kids. My name is Lucas Madden. I’m seventeen years old. I’m a high school dropout. I’m not a bad kid I think. I loved school. I was really good at it. I just had to stop to take care of my father. He’s a good father in his way, he is just having a hard time maintaining a job and he drinks a lot. I’m mature enough to hold my own so I started work a few months ago at a food truck in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Los Angeles. For years, I’v

I was walking around Chestnut Street to get to the bus stop. I’ve spent all afternoon trying to figure out where I could find her. Finally, I remembered she knows where I work at. She’s probably there at the boardwalk. But how can I be sure that she’s there? The only thing I know is that dad seems to think she’s here for me. She disappeared after mom died and now she resurfaced. So I guess I have to believe he is right.The bus pulls up in front of me and I went aboard it. After fifteen minutes, I arrived at the boardwalk. There are a lot more people today since it’s a Friday. Suddenly got me thinking of my boss. There’s probably an overwhelming line of people. And yes, there was. A lot of people gathered up. I saw my boss juggle through orders and cooking. I felt bad but he’s alright. He works very fast. I just have to hide and make sure he doesn’t spot me.