Fade - Russell Helms

Michael is dismayed to learn that a colleague’s step-daughter has committed suicide. Michael had had thoughts of asking her out but felt the age difference was too great. Against all odds, Michael sets forth to bring Anna back by dating her ghost. Anna’s mom Mandy is terrified but hopeful, but Anna’s step-dad Tom is angry and unsure of Michael’s intention. Michael takes Anna out for coffee, out for dinner, and for walks. As time passes, Anna becomes more and more solid, but also dependent on Michael for her reality. Whereas she was invisible to start, she is now visible, but fades once Michael leaves. Michael’s ex-wife and two daughters think he is insane, but gradually realize that Michael’s efforts are paying off and accept this new Anna. Suffering from depression before her suicide, Anna soon becomes depressed, and Michael and Mandy take her to see her former psychiatrist, who is dumbfounded but nonetheless puts Anna on an antidepressant. Anna becomes more and more attached to Michael, craving his presence to keep her visible. Michael begins to feel overwhelmed, and even wonders if Anna has begun to use him for her own purposes. When Anna becomes pregnant, the presence of Michael within her gives her greater stability. The story climaxes with the birth of their child in a campground in Utah and what follows is bittersweet.