Billy, quit teasing your sister's ghost. It's not her fault she has to wear the same clothes every day. Those were the clothes she died in, son, in this very room. That stain down the front of her gown is bile. Just pretend you can't see it. They don't have washing machines on the other side.
That faint rotten egg smell? Well that's phosphorus, kiddo. It comes with the territory in situations like this. A byproduct of a tear in the interdimensional fabric. You'll get used to it soon enough. Yes, I know your mother couldn't take it. That's why she's staying with Grandma. One of the reasons. But we're men, right, slugger? We can tough it out.
I know it's cold in your room, buckaroo, I'm so sorry about that. It's a well-documented phenomenon associated with poltergeist activity. But think about how your sister must feel. All she has to wear is that thin nightgown. Look at her over there curled up on the floor. See how she shivers? She shivers like that all the time now, champ. All the time.
No, you can't play with her. Your hands will just pass right through, and you'll frighten her. She's here but she's not here, you see. Yes, I'm sure it's confusing for her too. What's she made of? Gosh, little buddy, I don't know. Bioluminescent electromagnetic energy, I suppose. I'm sorry her spectral glow keeps you awake at night, I really am. Yes, I know it's scary how she stands at the foot of your bed weeping. You're such a brave little soldier.
You think we should move? Whoa, keep your voice down, little man. What would your sister think if she heard you say that? You know what happened when your mother decided to move out. Everything that wasn't nailed down flew into the air and started swirling around the house, your sister hiding under the bed sobbing. She couldn't help it. I know you complained about having to put all those books back on the shelves. You don't want to go through that again, do you?
That welt around her neck? I guess we can't keep the truth from you forever. That's from the belt she used to hang herself. I know, son, I know. It doesn't mean she didn't love us. You have to understand—she wasn't well. There was something wrong with her mind. No, no, you were a wonderful brother. The best brother a girl could have. Oh, Billy, I don't know why. We can never know why—it's just one of the mysteries of the universe.
Hey, come on now, champ, don't cry. Come here. We've got to hold it together. You think it doesn't break my heart every time I see her? You think I don't still kneel down beside her and try to take her in my arms? It doesn't seem fair that she won't let us move on, but she can't help it. It's not her fault. None of this is anyone's fault. Jesus, Billy, please stop crying. We've got to be strong for each other now. Hey, you know, we're lucky in a way. Look at her there, standing in the corner, watching us. If you squint a little, you can almost imagine she's a real girl: happy and full of dreams and still alive.