The Madness

Tristan and I were sitting at the pizzeria waiting for Zoey and her boyfriend Micheal. My spirit still harbored negative suspicions of him. The problem was that our friend was already quite well and flawlessly reacting to his aura. Ordinary people were into it if a particular spirit was in their presence for a long time and they were aware of it. Since Tristan was not an option, he suggested that Ronald and Judy watch them, but after some thought, we decided it was a bad idea. Firstly, it would violate Zoey's privacy, and secondly, Tristan would get hit on the head for not being able to take care of the people he loves. We had to solve this problem ourselves, or at least finally dispel all doubts.

They finally came, Micheal put his arm around her protectively, but I had the impression that my friend was bending under his weight and the strength he put into the gesture. He was big and athletic, apparently, they met when Zoey was doing some graphic project for his rugby team. They were both smiling, so that was the expression on my face, but I had the impression that each of them lacked sincerity. We haven't had a chance to meet yet because Zoey never brought him to our house, so I politely introduced myself.

"Zoey's been talking about you a lot," I said, hoping it would lighten the tense atmosphere a bit.

"Let's hope only good things," Micheal replied with a laugh.

I pretended not to see his grip tighten on Zoey's, which he didn't let go of his. My friend would normally lead the conversation, but she kept quiet. I could feel Tristan's anger building up, and it was getting harder and harder for me to keep my temper under control. We ordered a pizza, and Micheal and Zoey opted for one with olives.

"Since when do you like them?" I asked my friends, who always was disgusted seeing even one.

"I like them," Micheal replied. "And we're not ordering two pizzas."

"If I eat a few, nothing will happen to me," Zoey replied with a smile. "Anyway, they're not that bad."

"When will your boyfriend arrive?" the man asked, changing the subject.

"I forgot to say it can't be done, and I didn't want us to postpone it," I replied evasively. “They were supposed to let him off work for the weekend, but they came up with an important project for a strategic client."

"A long-distance relationship must be hard. Are you not tempted to cheat on him," Micheal huffed.

"Firstly, no, and secondly, why should it only me, who is tempted by it?" I bit back.

"Because it is the woman who should make sure that she is by her man's side."

"Perhaps she should treat him like a god and serve him, bowing from the waist."

"A woman should know her place, and that is under a man in every way," he announced loudly.

"Zoey, don't tell me you agree with him, you always thought otherwise!" I raised my voice, nervous. Now I was seriously worried about my friend.

"I, I," the artist stuttered. "I don't know."

"Enough!" Micheal growled and stood up, pulling Zoey by the hand to leave. "Today we will go to get your things, you will live with me because she is a bad influence on you."

I shouted after her, but she obediently followed. I told Tristan to get Ronald and Judy as soon as possible and ask them to follow them. I settled matters at the premises and left worried. I didn't think Zoey would end up in a toxic relationship, at least that's what it looked like from my perspective. Tristan returned quickly, and we walked around waiting for news from the old couple. I was ready for action and furious, I wanted to save her, snatch this disgusting thing out of her hands and take her home. However, I sensed that it would be useless because she might come back to him anyway, as love was unpredictable. Suddenly Judy appeared in front of us terrified and cried.

"Camilla, he beats her," she cried. "So hard. He's so angry and bestial."

"Let's go," was all I said, and we ran after her. Fortunately, he lived nearby and as soon as I found out the address, I called the police and informed them of the situation, demanding that the patrol come to the spot as soon as possible.

"Please don't do anything stupid," the voice on the phone instructed me.

"I'm not going to wait for this monster to torture my friend," I growled. "I have some angry spirits on my side, you should be worried about what state you'll find this bastard in."

It turned out that Tristan, Ronald, and Judy had been joined by another ghost. They threw Micheal around, and every possible piece of furniture flew towards him. I told them to stop when she was on the brink of life. After the police arrived, the mysterious ghost told me that he was the former owner of the apartment and that Zoey was not Micheal's first victim. The previous girls, however, he managed to scare so much that fear dominated love, and somehow they were able to cut themselves off from him. My friend was not afraid of him because she was already used to us. First, he pretended to be nice and won the hearts of these poor girls, then he let his true nature come out. Zoey was taken to the hospital, I asked Tristan to be there with her until I settle everything with the police.

"I hope you're aware that your friend has to file an official report afterward," replied the young policeman, feeling a bit uncomfortable in my presence.

"The spirits are calm now," I said. "I'll make sure Zoey does it, and you'll make sure he goes to jail."

I snatched the notebook from his hand and jotted down a few names and phone numbers the previous landlord had given me, hoping it would help. I gave the officer back his property and told him they were Micheal's previous victims. I wanted to go to Zoey's, but I said that I and the spirits would be happy to help with the further course of the case if needed.