Jasper floated toward the village square, waving with a shy smile. His voice came out as wind chimes, soft and tremulous. But the villagers dropped their baskets and scattered like startled birds.
He hovered alone, watching the last cobblestone vanish behind a shut door. The wind chimes of his voice faded into silence.
At the bakery, Jasper gently pushed a heavy flour sack onto the counter. The sudden movement knocked over a tray of pies. 'Ghost!' cried the elderly woman baker, brandishing a rolling pin.
Jasper retreated behind a cart, transparency flickering with embarrassment. The scent of burnt crusts filled the air.
Near the woods, Jasper heard a small sniffle. A little girl sat on a mossy stone, her yellow raincoat damp with dew. 'I'm lost,' she whispered, clutching a frayed rabbit plush.
He led her through whispering trees, staying invisible until they reached her cottage. She climbed the steps and turned, holding out a cookie. 'Can you stay for tea?'
Jasper stepped into the moonlight, becoming fully visible. The girl's eyes widened before she smiled. 'You're like a cloud that walks!' His form shimmered with delight.
The next morning, the villagers gathered as Jasper arrived with the girl waving from the bakery window. Mrs. Higgins offered him a fresh pie, crust golden and steaming. Jasper took a bite, shimmering with delight as the village buzzed with friendly chatter.
