630 words (2 minute read)

Memo from Wanda Karlewicz to Piers Preis-Herald, dated September 21, 1974

P,

We’ve had a minor incident at the house today involving Eric.  He was spooked by something he saw in the hallway and now is telling people he saw “the ghost.”

Unfortunately, his claim has caused some consternation.  Gail insists we bring somebody in to bless the house.  Eric refuses to sleep in his room and wants to share the gatehouse with Jeff until new accommodations can be made for him.  I asked Ruby if she would trade rooms with Eric. His room is larger and I know she’s complained to Tammy about not having much space.  I thought she would welcome the opportunity and spare me the trouble of airing and furnishing a new room, but she’s also been affected by the idea Eric’s room is somehow tainted, despite the fact that he says he saw his phantom floating in the hall outside the room. 

As Tammy had previously expressed an interest in watching for the ghost, I then thought to shuffle her into Eric’s room, move Ruby into Tammy’s room, and let Eric have Ruby’s room.  I thought this arrangement would be mutually agreeable, in spite of the extra effort required on everyone’s part.  To my surprise, Tammy asked why three people should have to move just because one person wanted to move.  She mentioned she’s fond of Eric but would be considerably less fond of him if she had to uproot herself because he took a fright.  And yet, if I’d declined to move him, she would have accused me of hostility.  Sometimes, I think it’s impossible to deal with her.

Therefore, I am opening up room 217 in the back hallway. This area is still serviceable.  Eric will have more privacy and the use of the second bathroom. I will stipulate that he has to maintain these facilities.  Also, the room is near the servants’ stairs, affording an emergency exit if one is needed.  Jeff helped me relocate Eric’s bed and furnishings, Tammy unpacked and re-packed his drawers, and the three of us accomplished the move. 

Be advised several members of our team want to meet with you on this issue.  I did my best to dissuade them, but the majority insists on being heard.   I’m sending this extensive memo to limit the amount of time you have to waste on the matter.

I’ve expressed to the team that talk of ghosts is an inappropriate distraction and harmful to morale.  Furthermore, I said any more such gossip will lead to a re-evaluation of the researcher’s role on the team.  I meant this as a scare tactic to encourage them to knock off the silly superstitious talk, but if you think it’s worth following through, I will implement said reviews.

I’m not sure what to do about Eric. I’m hoping he’ll settle down and resume his contributions to the experiment now that he got his way about the new room.  Frankly, I’m amazed he originated this ghost rumor.  Ordinarily, I’d consider Eric a sound source, but his claim is too incredible to consider.  However, I don’t believe he’s lying.  It’s possible he’s sleep-deprived or otherwise ill and that’s the source of the problem.  I don’t think we need fear anything more serious than that.

This foolishness has overshadowed much better news I wanted to share.  Jeff obtained a recording of Webster signing complex sentences (involving 4 or more words, including noun-verb-object combinations) on his own initiative.  Jeff is going to edit this footage and prepare a copy for you use.  You should have it before the next donors’ meeting.  If you also wish to release it to any news outlets, let me know and I’ll prepare a cover letter. 

-WK

 

Next Chapter: Diary of Ruby Cardini, dated September 8, 1974