The Prankster(Lynda Andrews) My sister, Larie, and I have had an interest in the supernatural or "spiritual life" ever since I can remember.

The year is 1970. Laurie is fifteen. I am twelve. We live in a nice ranch house with a partially finished basement. The stairway down to the room called "the den" is narrow, maybe a foot and a half wide. A couch, a couple of chairs and a black and white television grace the room.

Laurie has had an inspiration. Let's go buy us a Ouija board. The communication vessel for the dearly departed. The triangular device moves smoothly beneath our fingers as we ask simple questions with yes or no answers. We are fascinated.

After long practices between ourselves, we decide to have our best friends over for a session. The room is filled with anticipation as the six of us settle in for a night of contact with spirits unknown.

Candles are set in each corner of the room. We can barely see each other's faces as we begin our journey.

Laurie is the leader, she is most comfortable in that position. As she asks for silence, she and I begin to ask the Board questions. At first, the simple yes or no answers glide through our fingers.

We grow braver. Laurie asks the spirits to show us a sign. Maybe a voice, knocking, or movement of an object in the room.

The knock that comes from outside the den wall is loud. The rapping comes once more.

A moment passes before all six of us with our stricken faces are trying to depart up the narrow stairs to safety. In our panic, we are squeezing against each other trying to get away first.

Reaching that safe haven upstairs, we see our mom there smiling.

My dad let Laurie and I suffer for two days before admitting to being in the crawl space behind the wall of the den answering each of our calls for a sign.

The Ouija Board was put away in the closet for a time. My sister and I still could not sleep soundly. Shortly thereaftere the Board was put in the trash.

Sometimes you get what you wish for and wish you hadn't received it...

- THE END -

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