James Rodriguez
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
Clara's image dissolved, then reformed behind us.
You can't leave, she said.
Her voice no longer just hers, but a composite of many.
The island needs you.
Emily gasped beside me.
I turned to see her staring at an elderly man in academic robe, standing directly in her path.
His stern face showed disappointment and contempt.
Running away again, Emily, the apparition asked.
Just like you ran from real scholarship, from your responsibilities to the family legacy.
Emily stopped walking.
Dad, I don't answer it.
I warned, tugging her forward.
It's not him.
The figure's features shifted subtly, becoming on to skull-like, beneath translucent skin.
You know why I changed the will, it said.
You were never worthy of the Johnson name.
Emily's breathing quickened, her eyes fixed on the apparition with decades of unresolved hurt.
I did everything you asked, she whispered.
It was never enough.
I positioned myself between Emily and the figure.