Alina: Lopez

But the collector’s inventory mentioned something she had initially overlooked: a sealed trunk, labeled simply, “Personal Effects – M. V. Ashworth.”

A woman stood before her. Dark hair, knowing eyes, a half-smile. She was solid. Real. She smelled of salt and old paper and something floral, long extinct. alina lopez

That night, the new moon veiled the sea. The lighthouse was silent. At one minute to midnight, Alina walked to the center of the room. She closed her eyes. And she hummed. But the collector’s inventory mentioned something she had

I’ve been here, in the ‘between,’ for over a century. I can see you, but you can’t see me—unless I choose it. I’ve watched every keeper, every visitor. Most are boring. You are not. long extinct. That night