The Harmony

"Man a cold shower feels great after a long day of work." I say to myself, feeling the cold water run over my tired eyes. "Radio, play my shower playlist."

"Now playing shower playlist." The radio replies, a deep electronic beat emanating from the speakers.

"That's something I haven't heard in a long time." I say, feeling the nostalgic rhythm. "I guess in the shower no one can hear you sing, so I might as well." The beat takes over me as I sing along to the beautiful melody and an unfamiliar harmony. " Whoever they got to sing harmony in this version sure has a good voice." I think to myself. "But why would they release a new version of this song of all things? Maybe it had a resurgence recently."

The melody begins to recede and the harmony only becomes more prominent.

"Radio, what was the release date of this song?"

"January 27, 2004." The radio replies, barely audible over the growing harmony.

"Radio, turn down volume." I say, the sound piercing my ears, harmony still growing louder and closer. A chill flows down my spine and I grab the shampoo bottle, throwing open the curtain. The harmony dissipates as quickly as it appeared. "I really need to lay off the caffeine." I say to myself, closing the curtain. The harmony returns, bringing with it a shadow. I yank back open the curtain and throw the bottle at the shadow, shattering the mirror. A broken reflection is all that stares back at me, nothing more.

I put on my towel and slowly open the bathroom door. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

A cold breath on my ear, "Not in the land of the living."

Instinct takes over me and I run for my front door as fast as my still wet feet will carry me. The knob rattles and the door shakes at my frantic attempt at escape but won't budge. "Oh come on, just open!" I yell at the door.

"I must say you have a very nice voice." The cold breath says with a hand on my shoulder.

"Of course I'm going to be killed by a ghost." I think to myself, the terror overwhelming me.

I open my eyes to a dark bedroom, "It was just a dream." I think to myself, whipping the cold sweat from my brow. "I knew ghosts weren't real, like there is a land of the dead."

A cold breath on my ear, "Who said you're in the land of the living?"