Folksburywoods

“Look, they’ve left us wine and hard rolls,” the phantom said.

“She is a good wife and mother. We must watch over her as she ages. Life has been hard on the woman,” remarked another.

“That man of hers is a rotten apple, always drinking and talking big with his friends,” muttered the third.

“Shhh, we mustn’t judge. Our lives were no better than theirs when we walk the earth,” declared the first.

“True, I’ve forgotten we have had time to put our affairs in order. They still live, and will only understand after they pass over,” the second remarked.

During Samhain, families would leave out food and drink so those who had gone before might return. They could then enjoy a meal with the family.

“I see the boy grows stronger and soon will take a wife,” said the phantom.

“We must be sure to bless the union so the children will be healthy and good-natured,” the second proclaimed.

“We could give the man a scare when he comes home,” said the third phantom.

“What were you thinking of doing?” the others inquired.

“Nothing rash,” replied the spirit. “Smash an empty wine bottle at his feet. Moan something about the evils of drink.”

“Brilliant! I’ll make sure to wave the curtains and cry like a baby,” said the second phantom.

“It’s settled then. While we wait, we should at least enjoy the woman’s hard work,” remarked the first.

The three phantoms sat down at the table and gave thanks for the meal before them. They did not speak while they ate, choosing to enjoy the moment in silence.

“Here comes the laggard now, shall we begin?” asked the third phantom.

“Most certainly,” replied the other two spirits.

The next morning, the wife noticed her husband was a little more dutiful with his chores. At dinner, he avoided his usual glass of wine and suggested they go for an evening stroll.

“That evening, the mother tucked in her son and reminded him of the ancestors who are always watching.

“The old ones protect us in ways only they understand,” the woman told her son.

Before going to bed, the mother set out a bowl of sweet cream and offered a prayer to her ancestors.

“Thank you, ancestors, for bringing harmony to our home. Take this offering and enjoy it with thanks from my heart,” said the woman.

“She is a good woman indeed,” said the phantom. “I shall make sure we three watch over her. It is our duty.”

“Yes, now let’s enjoy that cream,” said the second phantom.

“Indeed,” said the third.

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