He laced his fingers through Pauline's, and together they pushed open the door to another haunted house.
A blood-curdling scream split the air. Instinct took over, and I threw myself into Allan's arms — only to pass straight through his body without meeting any resistance.
A bitter smile tugged at my lips.
Right. I was dead. What was there left to be afraid of?
I looked up and saw Allan gently covering Pauline's eyes with his hand.
"You don't have to act brave today. I'll protect you."
The chat complained that the two of them were being sickeningly sweet.
And I stood behind Allan, watching him hold Pauline's hand tight, shielding her with his body, keeping her safe.
There was a time when he'd protected me like that too.
Tears fell before I could stop them.
Allan shielded Pauline from every scare the staff threw at them, holding her hand as they made it out of the haunted house together.
Pauline shook his hand off and pouted, her voice syrupy sweet.
"Do you take care of your girlfriend like this too?"
I lowered my eyes and shook my head slowly.