Free Spirit of the Revolution by Debbie Peterson

supposed to go?”
    “From what I’ve read and or studied, the reasons are varied. Some ghosts died so quickly and unexpectedly, they don’t realize they’re dead. Then there’s guilt about something or other, unfinished business, fear of what’s on the other side, like believing they’re going to hell on account of past sins. I think that scenario especially applies to those who murdered someone, those who want revenge. The list can go on and on.” Carolyn picked up a chip, used it to scoop up a bit of dip, and popped it into her mouth.
    “So, what then? You think earthbound ghosts stay here and never, ever cross over? Never find peace?”
    “Not at all. I think the majority of ghosts, at least benevolent ghosts, find there way home in time. Sometimes it takes help from the living, though. Especially if the ghost has unfinished business he or she wants finished. There are murder victims that want justice before they’ll cross over. Then there are ghosts who want their bodies found, identified, and buried. Some need to understand and then truly believe, despite all past sins that a merciful God in heaven won’t thrust them into a raging inferno the minute they pass through the light. Except of course, for the really bad ones, who probably are going to hell for their heinous deeds and deservedly so,” she said with a firm nod of her head. “I can’t imagine brutal murderers being welcomed into heaven with open arms.”
    “I see,” Jo murmured.
    “Sometimes the living can keep a ghost here, as well, you know,” Carolyn said as she added some soda to her glass and then slid the bottle toward Jo.
    “How would they do that?” she asked.
    “Love,” Carolyn said. “The spirit loves the person or persons who loved him or her so much they stay behind to help that person deal with the grief of their loss. Despite their own desires to move beyond the light, they feel compelled to stay and give whatever comfort they can provide. Then, once they feel the loved one can finally cope without their assistance, they move on to their destination.”
    “How very sad,” Jo whispered. But at least that one she could understand. Many times over the years since her parents’ death, she wished they would’ve remained behind for a little while or at the very least, visited from time to time. The fact they never once showed themselves to her since the day they passed, gave credence to her belief in the nonexistence of ghosts.
    “I guess,” Carolyn said as she picked up a carrot stick. “So, any more questions? I can e-mail you some awesome Web sites that have a ton of information, and it would really juice up that report. Some of them even have photographs and EVPs, if you’re interested.”
    “No, I don’t have any more questions and yes I’m interested in those Web sites. So please don’t forget to send them,” Jo replied as she looked down at her watch. “However, it’s getting late and since I have a long drive ahead of me, and you have to get up at the crack of dawn, I guess I’d better get going.”
    After they cleaned up, Carolyn walked her to the door. Jo turned, wrapped her arms around her friend, and gave her a quick hug. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. Thanks, Kay-Kay.”
    Carolyn gasped as she stepped back, and clutched at her heart. “Don’t tell me, after all of these years, I’ve finally converted you?”
    Jo laughed as she made her way out to the porch. “Maybe.”
    During the drive home, everything Carolyn said swirled around inside her brain in a chaotic mess. She wondered why Mathias and his companions chose to remain. Did they have unfinished business of some kind? Did they fear going to hell? Could she do anything to help them? Better yet, did she really want them to walk out of her life so soon? But what a selfish thought, she chided—
    All the troublesome worries fled Jo’s mind the minute she crested the hill and looked down at her house. The porch lights shimmered, as did