Find Ghost Stories
STORY ID: 34
Katie had an experience with a Ghost near San Diego, California, U.S.A. in 1964. Here is her story:
There was a corner market all the kids went to. Mr. Graham owned the tiny store, and he loved all the children. His heart was gold, and even though he was in business to make money, he was always handing out free candy. Of course, this just made the kids want to frequent his store.
I felt kinda bad for him, because he always dressed..poor. His clothes were all worn out, and the knees in his pants were threadbare. His hair was always combed though, and he appeared to take great pride in ironing his yellowed button down shirts. There were perfect creases in each sleeve.
He was widowed a few years before he opened the store, and he had never had any kids of his own. I think we were as close to family-as he would ever have.
After school, my friends and I, we went to the corner store like we did, every afternoon. It was all closed up!. No sign, no notice, nothing. This was not like Mr. Graham. He was there-seven days a week. We all looked at each other in wonder. What could have happened to cause Mr. Graham to abandon his post at the store?
That evening, my Mother sat me down, and told me the truth. Mr. Graham had died. He had had a heart attack in front of his landlady. I couldn't believe it, This gentle Soul had passed away. We kids, would miss him dearly. I cried like there was no tomorrow. I vowed never to forget his generous nature. He was with his beloved wife again. He talked about her all the time, and I was sure they were together again! Through my selfish sadness, I was glad. Time went on, and the store was never reopened.
I lived about two blocks from Mr. Grahams place, and it was eerie to walk past it. Seeing it all boarded up, it made my heart heavy. It had been such a happy place. I hoped someone would open another corner market, and be as kind as Mr. Graham had been. Of course, it didn't happen, and as the years went by, no one bought the old place.
It became run down, and derelicts slept nearby in the shadows. I was in my teens now, and I had a nostalgic moment. I decided to walk by Mr. Grahams old place. The sun had just gone down, but I wasn't afraid. this was my neighborhood, nothing was going to hurt me.
As I grew close to the old building, it was apparent that nothing had changed. The paint was still peeling, the building was sagging in places, but it was a special place. I felt lighter just looking at places. Memories of gumballs, and red hots, filled my head. I was in the mood for something sweet now. All these memories, flooding my head! I smiled a little smile, when I remembered how kind Mr. Graham had treated us.
It was then that I saw the glow, behind the boarded up windows. I wondered if someone was inside. What would they be doing in there? It had to be dangerous to be in the buidling. After all, it looked like the place was about to fall down.
I tiptoed over, and took a quick peek through the cracks in the boards. What i saw-surprised the heck out of me!. Mr. Graham was sweeping the interior of a disheveled store. Obviously, he was a Ghostly Apparition now, but he looked intent on cleaning up the mess. I watched for a few minutes in disbelief. Without any warning, Mr. Graham looked in my direction. Startled, I froze to the walls. my hands on either side of the window, still peering through the cracks. I just couldn't look away...
Mr. Graham tilted his head to the right, and smiled!. it was like he knew it was me. He winked at me, just like he did when he was alive, and I knew he was o.k..
He turned his back to his chores, and silently, slowly-he faded away. The old store was as dark as an old, unused building, should be.. I walked away with a smile on my face, and a happy heart. Mr. Graham, you will not be forgotten...
