INSEPARABLE

                                    

                                          

Mark and Ken had been best friends since childhood. They had grown up together, went to the exact same schools, shared all their secrets and supported each other through thick and thin. They were as inseperable as night and day. But as they entered their thirties, things began to change between them.
Mark was social and outgoing, and he had always had a way with the ladies. A ladies' man, you could call him. But Ken, on the other hand, had an introverted personality, and had always struggled to find a meaningful relationship. So when Mark introduced Ken to a woman named Sarah, Ken was over the moon. Sarah was beautiful, intelligent, and kind. She saw right through Ken, and had the ability to somewhat read his inner thoughts. She understood him perfectly, and Ken knew he had finally found the woman of his dreams.
But things took a turn for the worse when Sarah started showing interest in Mark as well. Ken was quick to notice and soon became devastated, as he couldn't understand why Sarah would choose Mark over him. On numerous occasions, he confronted Mark about it, but Mark just laughed it off and told Ken not to worry about it.
However, Ken couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on between Mark and Sarah, and he became increasingly jealous and possessive. One night, after a few drinks at the local bar, Ken confronted Mark about Sarah again, and things got heated. Words were exchanged, and before either of them knew it, Ken was on the ground, unconscious.
Mark panicked and tried to revive Ken, but it was too late. He had accidentally murdered his best friend in a fit of jealousy and rage.
Over the next few days, Mark was consumed by guilt and grief. He couldn't stop thinking about what he had done, and he began to imagine Ken's ghost following him everywhere he went. Mark tried to ignore the ghost at first, but it was no use. Ken's presence was too strong, and Mark could feel him, watching and judging. Mark knew he had to come clean and confess to the murder, but he was too scared of the consequences.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, Mark's guilt and fear started to consume him. He became paranoid and isolated, and he started to see Ken's ghost even when he was alone.
Finally, Mark couldn't take it anymore. He knew he had to do something to make amends for what he had done. So one night, he gathered his courage and turned himself in to the police.
*     *     *     *     *
Mark stood beside the gravestone and read the name engraved on it - Kenneth Lawson. He sighed out loud, and dropped the flowers he held onto the floor.
"Hey Ken. It's been a while. About five years now. I got out of prison a day ago, and the first thing I did was to meet with your family. They weren't so happy to see me, but they directed me here. I must say, this spot is looking really nice. From here, you have a great view of the beautiful sunset. Not bad. 
"I'm doing well, in case you're wondering. Sarah is also doing okay. I got her new address from your sister and I went to check on her. She's living happily with her new man. They got married three years ago, I heard. Funny how she quickly moved on with her life. She left right after the accident, said I was too violent. Can't blame her, she was right. I had a quick temper. But anyway, I was forced to attend therapy in prison, and now I can say that I've got my anger issue under control. Although, it's quite too late.
"During my time in prison, till now. I've been having occasional dreams. More like nightmares. About you. Sometimes I see you, with your face covered in blood, yelling at me, screaming, threatening to harm me. I've been really scared. Sometimes at night, I see a dark figure lurking around me. One time I was on chef duty, and I saw the figure appear right in the kitchen. Suddenly, a gas cylinder exploded and I was almost burnt, but the fire was extinguished promptly.
"I complained to the chaplain about it, and he advised me to make amends with you. He told me you were still troubled, and you hadn't forgiven me. So I'm here to do just that. I brought you flowers and your favorite drink. Blue Bacardi, right?" 
Mark gave another sigh, and placed the items on the gravestone in front of him. 
"Ummm, I'm really sorry for everything that happened. It was all my fault. I never knew that hammer was going to hit you, or rather I expected you to dodge it. Everytime I remember how blood gushed out of your face, I get chills all over me. I regret it, and if I could change the past, I definitely would. 
"I wish it never happened. Then maybe you and Sarah would've been married now. I can't reverse time but I want you to know, that I'm very, very sorry for what I did to you."
"You should be."
Mark turned around sharply. He could swear that someone had said something behind him, and he had heard the voice loud and clear, but after a three-sixty degree turn, he couldn't sight anyone else in the cemetery. 
The sun was setting fast, and in a few minutes, it'd be totally dark. Mark glanced at his watch; It was 6:51 pm. 
"I don't know where you are right now, but I hope you're in heaven. You were a good friend, and surely the Lord will accept you as one of his own. I'm going to try to start life anew. I really hope you've forgiven me. Till we meet again, best friend, rest in peace."
Mark wiped off the tears that had formed in his eyes. He took one last look at the gravestone, smiled, then left the cemetery and began his descent down the hill. 
He never made it to the foot of the hill. 
The sun disappeared and darkness ensued, bathing the entire cemetery. And out of the darkness, another translucent figure manifested, taking the form of a human being. 
"Hey Ken..."
"Hello, Mark. It's been awhile..."