The Hidden Guest

Everyone in the family has a role to play-including the unseen ones. -Michelle Liew

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The Lees always prepared an empty chair at family reunions. They told themselves that it wasn’t a superstitious streak - just a tradition they conformed to after Grandpa Lee passed, leaving it to them.

After their reunion dinner, Aunt Qiumei, ever the ghost junkie, stayed behind for a chat. “They believe that every family has an unseen member. One whose presence made a significant difference, although identifying them is a challenge.”

Karen chortled. “Gives me the shivers.” She paused thoughtfully. “Grandpa was always a neat freak though. We'd know.”

After the dinner, Thomas collected the dirty dishes from the table. Ever respectful of traditions, he whispered, “Thanks for coming.”

The wind chime by the window sounded, its tune cheery. The family cleared the table in a hurry, leaving the chairs out of place. It was close to bedtime when they finished dinner.

When the family came into the kitchen for breakfast the next morning, they found the table uncluttered and the chairs pushed in.

Karen stared at the empty chair, feeling goosebumps forming. She looked at Thomas. “Did you tidy up?”

Thomas shrugged. “Wasn't me. I was dead beat. Guess our unseen relative found us too messy.”

The windchime sounded again, as if in agreement.