Hallucination

‘I saw her,’ Mia insisted. ‘She talked to me.’ ‘I know, sweetie.’ I patted her shoulder. ‘I know you miss your mother very much. You probably dreamed of her.’ Mia didn’t look convinced. After a pause, I added, ‘Even if she’s still, ahem, still here, she’s not going to hurt you, right?’ Mia gave it some thought, then nodded slowly. ‘Mummy will never hurt me.’ ‘That’s right. So you don’t have to worry about seeing her in your dream.’ I hesitated, then kissed the girl’s forehead gently. I was relieved when Mia didn’t push me away. ‘You should get some sleep.’ I was about to leave after tucking her in when she tugged at my hand. She was holding out a piece of candy. ‘Where did you get this?’ I couldn’t help but ask. She was wearing a nightdress that had no pockets. Where was she hiding her stash of candies? Mia patted her pillow, then winked at me. She put a finger to her lips. ‘Our secret.’ I nodded. Mia watched me unwrap the candy and put it in my mouth. ‘Good night, Miss Finnegan.’ ‘Nig