They Only See Me When I Cry by Alara Rogers

I wait for my favourite uncle to come home, smiling and combing my hair.

But when I see him, I can’t help but scream. I see the shadow of death on him, and I wail.

“Banshee!” my cousin cries.

They rush my uncle into the house, running from my grief. He, who played with me when I was alive… should I no longer love him because I’m dead?

No one can outrun fate. His heart seizes that night, killing him.

I cry for grief, and I cry because the ones I love think I’m bringing death, not warning of it.