One Day, I Just Disappeared

Four years old

The first time I woke up invisible, I thought I was dreaming. I'd had lots of real-seeming dreams just like it. I played with my toys and it looked like they were moving about by themselves. I giggled. My voice was invisible, too.

Mum found me gone and panicked. Without thinking, I stood up saying, "I'm here," She turned around, sagged, a hand to her heart. She could see me. I looked down at my hands. I could see me, too. How...?

I ate toast with strawberry jam (no bits), wondering, was it another dream? Can you... awake-dream? It felt so real. At least I wasn't stuck invisible. Imagine if mummy couldn't see me again.

Six years old

Two years later, it happened again. I was thrilled. Full of mischief, wondering How long could I stay invisible for?

I followed Mummy while she looked for me, frantic.

When daddy called 999, I started to worry. How do I stop it?! Can I? Did I die and not notice?! I shouted, but couldn't make them hear me.

Helicopters and dogs searched. I sat in my room, sobbing. At last, I realised I could hear myself, and... yes, see myself. I ran to mummy and her bone-crushing relief. When asked where I'd been, I said "In my room". Daddy frowned.

Puberty

Growing up, it happened a lot. I learned to control it. It's a knack, like snapping your fingers, except I can't if someone is looking at me.

I caused trouble. I spied on people. I skipped school, soon realising it was easier to just skip classes. I haunted my brother's room until he got so scared daddy said we'd have to move. I couldn't explain how I'd done it, but I came clean. The "haunting" stopped. Eventually, Joey's bedwetting stopped as well.

Twenty-three years old

I "met" someone online. We lived on different continents. Neither of us had much money. No plane ticket, no problem! I skipped check-in, drifted through the airport, and ghosted onto the plane.

All went swimmingly until the engine failed.

My mother has no idea I died.

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Word count: 366 - bang on the nose for the third day running!

* * * * Author's Note * * * *

As always - thank you for reading! I appreciate all engagement, and I try to reciprocate all reads. Please leave a comment to make it easy for me to do that. (Please don't leave a link unless you're taking part - see below👇 ) If you enjoyed it, the best compliment you can give me is to read another!

The story behind the story: I'm writing a story every day this year. The aim is one microfiction story every day, with a word limit of 366. This is the third one. It's not autobiographical.

A Story Every Day in 2024: You can read about this madcap adventure here and here, and, if you're joining me, the first list of prompts here.

You can read my first one here: A New Beginning

and my second one here: The Other Guy

Today's prompt: I didn't use a prompt today. I freestyled it!

If you are on this madcap yearlong escapade with me:

1. What prompt or inspiration are you using for today's story?

2. Please link to your story in the comments - I'm doing my level best to make sure I read them all.