The eeriness of the empty prison seemed to stalk me as I walked the abandoned grounds. How many people spent years of their lives waisting away in here? I stared at the rose beds that were on either side of my path, "Interesting place to put roses. I thought prisons were supposed to be gloomy and dark, not bright and happy." I wondered outloud.

     I opened my tour map and studied it for a moment before walking towards the building closest to me; Maximum Security/Death Row. As I walked through the doorway into the empty building, I felt like someone was following me. I turned quickly in the direction of the entryway, casting glances to the left and right; nothing was there. I pulled my backpack closer to me, using it like a child would a comfort blanket. Get a grip Maria! This place has been empty for years. The only things that have been in here is the groundsmen and tourists.

     I walked up and down the rows of empty cells for about twenty when the feeling returned. "Help me Maria." A woman's voice whispered in my ear. I turned again, only to find no one there. I suddenly felt the urge to get out of the building, I turned on my heel and walked briskly towards the entrance. "Where are you going, Maria? Aren't you going to help me?" No! Why would I? What was wrong with me? Only crazy people heard things in their heads... I knew I should've caught more sleep this week. Now I'm running away from a non-existent ghost in an empty building. I slowed my pace back to a walk, still heading towards the exit. 

     "Maria! You must help me!" The voice demanded.

     At this point my body went into survival mode, my entire mind practically creaming at me to get out of the building, and before I knew it I was running. I needed to get out of here, and quick! As soon as I turned the corner to the entrance door, I saw it was closed. I rushed to the door, and prayed that it was still unlocked. I grabbed the handle and turned it, but it wouldn't budge. Damn it!

     "Is anybody out there?" I shouted, "I'm locked in! Can someone please help me?" I pounded against the metal door with all my might, willing it to open.

     "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." The voice sounded, this time right next to me, " I told you that you needed to help me, and you didn't listen. I really hate doing this, but now I have to force you."

     "Wh...wh...who...who are y...you? W...w...what d...do you want?" I stuttered, becoming frightened.

     "My name is Catherine Thomas, and I want your help."

     I pulled on the door handle again, thinking that this was all in my head.

     "It's pointless to try and run away, Maria. Only I can let you escape now."

     I forced my eyes shut, and shook my head violently. This is crazy! There is no such things as ghosts! This is just a really bad dream, in three seconds you will open your eyes and you'll be in your bed, safe and sound. One...Two...Three...I opened my eyes and looked around, I was still in the building.

      "You really should just try relaxing, Maria. It's not like I've got any reason to harm you...yet."

      "Show yourself!" I demanded of the voice.

     I watched the place where the voice had been coming from in horror as a beautiful, translucent woman dressed in torn prison clothes appeared in front of me. Her hair was wild, sticking out in every direction, her fingers were boney and cat-like. Her complection appeared to have been of Indian origin, darker than what I would expect a ghost to look like.

      "Happy now?"

      "What do you want from me?"

      "You are going to help me escape this prison once and for all!"

      "And how exactly am I going to that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

      "Like this." She exclaimed, thrusting herself in my direction.