A Letter from the Third State

Dear Teresa

Whatever you do—don't look behind you!

I know you won't. Sorry, I've probably scared you, but all you need to know is that I love you. Really love you, like the wind loves space. Ah space. I'll come back to that, but for now, just remember my touch. Didn't I always envelop you in my arms and say I'd never let you go? Your tears of joy at those times gripped me with immeasurable emotion. And desire. I know it's difficult for you now.

I know why you discarded my belongings as soon as I was gone. Didn't even take anything to a charity shop—too painful, I guess, to spot a stranger in my Charles Tyrwhitt shirts. I understand. Shame my favourite coffee mug smashed when you dropped it. The shock of never seeing me again gave you the shakes? You're wondering how you're going to manage aren't you?

I'd love to hold you again, explain what you mean to me. You see, I don't think you fully appreciated my feelings. And I hate to think I've left you wanting, floating in some kind of limbo. I see you're now wearing the button down I loved on you.

No! Don't look behind you!

I adore you in that crisp white crossover shirt that just suggests your cleavage. But when I told you this, it was the last time you ever wore it.

You remember our anniversary meal? In Paris, that little restaurant? Antique lamps and velvet sofas? I planned everything, down to choosing the perfect dishes. I knew you were vegetarian but you always followed my recommendations. The foie gras was splendid. Such a shame that you suddenly developed that bug. You made quite the mess but the waiters were extremely patient. Beyond the call of duty I'd say.

I mentioned I'd return to 'space' earlier didn't I? I've been mulling over what you said; that you needed space. I'm sorry I reacted as I did. It's not something I'm proud of but I did bring you the biggest bouquet to the hospital didn't I? I've worked it all out now though. You needed more space to paint, do your artwork! Of course! Silly me. I could have converted the outhouse into a studio for you. You'd have loved that wouldn't you?

Remember—I know you want to, but don't look behind you!

I understand a little why you did it, but...plying me with alcohol and promises? Placing glass jars on the cellar steps. Pushing me down them? Was that not taking things too far? I mean, I didn't exactly kill you did I? Just a misunderstanding. Yet you left me for dead didn't you? Thought I would just disappear forever didn't you? But you know me better than that don't you? You know I wouldn't let this go lightly don't you? I know you're starting to sweat a little now, and the shakes are returning aren't they? Well, you better listen to me now:

DON'T LOOK BEHIND YOU!

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The so-called third state – where the cells of a dead organism continue to function after the organism's death – is the subject of a recent review from Affiliate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Washington Peter A. Noble, Dr Alex Pozhitkov at City of Hope, and coauthors

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Thank you for reading. This is my entry to Rick Henry Christopher's Haunted Letter Challenge:

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