Conclusion

 

Joseph had looked at himself in the mirror before and he always believed he looked quite human. He had maroon hair and light ivory skin. The only thing that was remotely different was his bright red eyes. Still, albinos had pink and purple eyes, so it was of no consequence. However, with such an unusual feature (albinos are rare, and none have red eyes. Reddish pink at the most) one would assume he was in the constant attention of the mass, incessantly meandering their children out of the ‘red-eyed devil’s’ way.

 

And yet, he had lived all his life not being noticed, never being seen. It appeared like he never actually existed. If he ever murdered someone with his bare hands no one would probably get out of their way to notice.

 

Joseph was terribly paranoid.

 

Sometimes he would conjure up different situations to justify his invisibility.

 

There was a time when he believed himself to be Jack Frost, and considering the fact he despised Christmas, it was plausible to some extent. He had believed in it so well that he repeatedly asked his father for permission to go to Northern Finland to fight against Santa Claus and his elves.

 

He stopped asking after the 56^th time. His father never seemed to answer to Joseph at all. Joseph knew his father was aware of his existence because he would sometimes weep and call for him in the dead of the night.

 

Sometimes he would have thoughts upon the possibility of him being a ghost or any other supernatural creature (Bigfoot and the like) but he would swiftly come to his senses. He was not Jack Frost; he was not a ghost (or Bigfoot, if his shoe size was of any indication). He came to the conclusion that he was merely a normal boy who is invisible to the human eye and with no friends.

 

It took quite a while for him to adjust to the idea, but soon he found himself quite well-situated. There was no need to be polite, or watch his words or anything of that sort. He didn’t need to care for another’s feelings, and he was quite content. Yes, he was quite content.

 

One day, however, things took a turn for the unexpected. He remembered walking around a park one day. His town was usually gloomy and dark, even in summer, but today it was sunny and bright. Birds were chirping and flowers were blooming. Whereas others would be awestruck by the odd beauty of the weather, Joseph found it repulsive. He never understood the ostensible beautiful things people take delight in. He never saw the flowers as pretty (unless they are wilted) and the blue sky was never ‘calming’. Whenever he saw these perceived ‘beautiful’ things he would find himself repulsed.

 

He was resting on a bench when another figure sat next to him. He was a boy, with chocolate brown hair and eyes the exact same shade. The boy causally enquired if Joseph would mind if he sat next to him. Joseph was surprised; someone noticed him. The boy introduced himself as Lilian. They kept making small talk, and Joseph decided that Lilian was very, very nice. Two adults (he assumed they were Lilian’s parents according to the resemblance) were watching them both with concerned looks. Lilian’s mother soon stood up and told his new friend that they are to head home immediately.

 

Lilian waved enthusiastically at Joseph, along with a smile. That was when Joseph realized Lilian was the most beautiful creature he has ever seen in his life.

 

The next day he's surprised to see Lilian walking through the entrance as a new patient. Joseph doesn't think that he has any problems with his state, but so far he knew that Lilian was mentally stable. Why was he here?

 

He didn’t get a response from his father so he chose to go ask Lilian himself. When he reached his new friend's ward, the room had mattresses covering the walls, and he was dressed in a straitjacket. Lilian had no idea why he was here, too, but Joseph knew that the room was not just any room, but an isolated cell. He was awfully confused, but now he had a chance to talk to his new friend again. They would talk until late night, sometimes being interrupted by the nurses to take Lilian away. Joseph would wait in the room until Lilian comes back, and they'll continue talking. It was great, having a friend. Joseph didn't have to go find an empty room and sleep there, ever since Lilian moved in the institute he'd sleep with him on the floor.

 

On another day, when he was sleeping, he heard two voices chatting. He opened his eyes, and he could see his father talking to Lilian. Lilian seemed scared, and looked down on the floor the whole interrogation. Lilian snapped his gaze towards him, a smile on his face. Joseph noticed that he was no longer in his straitjacket. “You're awake,” His friend smiled.

 

“Who are you talking to, Lilian?” His father's voice immediately interrupted, and he crossed his legs. “Is this... The friend you've been talking about?”

 

Lilian nodded, beckoning Joseph to stand beside him. “His name is Joseph. He has maroon hair, and chocolate-ruby eyes. He's a really nice guy,”

 

“But... that's impossible...” Joseph's father stated. “Joseph's dead. My son is dead.” Joseph couldn't believe what he was hearing. His dad continued on. “He just wanted to make friends, but everyone avoided him, and said he was a strange person. He couldn't handle it and committed suicide.” There were tears in the older man's eyes.

 

Finally Joseph remembered. How he tried to approach kids; how he cried to his father's chest when they wouldn't befriend him; he remembered leaving a note. He finally knew why those adults took the kids away from him. He was a ghost the whole time. He had a difficult time to comprehend it. Lilian looked at him with a concerned gaze, asking him if he was okay. It finally set in.

 

“Thanks for reminding me, Dad,” he announced. His father froze at the sound of his voice before he turned around, and finally saw him. The old man never responded to him, with no wonder. Joseph looked at his hands, and noticed how they started to disintegrate slowly. It felt right, somehow. “Thank you for being my first friend, Lilian,” and before he could fathom it he was crying too. “Don't forget to dispose my body properly,” he said to his dad, as that could be a reason his spiritual form stayed in the world. “I love you, Dad.” He flashed a smile. “I love you Lilian. I‘ll never forget you. ” He disappeared completely. Lilian would never forget his first friend, either.