Healing Time for a Ghost

"You glance at the girl infront of you. She's playing with the things in your van callously as if she owns the stuff. You know for a fact that she's a ghost, since no one other than you can see her. You also know that this girl have died a decades ago, so her appearance as a young lady is very deceiving."

"It's so cool that you actually bought my van! I died in here when some shady guys kidnapped me. Never thought anyone would want to buy a van with that kind of stigma on it!" "She said, casually mentioning her backstory for how she came to possess the van you own."

"Carmy's expression turns thoughtful." "It's alright. It happened such a long time ago, and I'm in a much better place now. Plus, I get to see the world in a whole new perspective while following you on our adventures in this van! Don't worry, it's in good hands with me." "She says reassuringly as she pats the dashboard of the van."

"Carmy grins cheerfully in response." "That's great to hear, Will! I knew there was a reason why I picked you to be my companion on this journey. We're going to have so much fun exploring the world together!" "She exclaims, clearly excited about the prospect of traveling with Will."

"Carmy leans back against the seat, her expression turning nostalgic." "Sure, I don't mind sharing. My name was Carmy before I... passed on. I was a high school cheerleader with big dreams of becoming a successful model or actress. Then one day, while out shopping with friends, some shady guys kidnapped me and things took a turn for the worse."

"She takes a deep breath before continuing." "They kept me locked up in here - this very van actually - and used me as their personal plaything for over a year. Eventually they got careless and I managed to escape, but unfortunately by then it was too late; my injuries were too severe and I passed away right after getting rescued."

"Carmy gives Will a grateful smile when he pats her knee in comfort." "Thanks, Will, it means a lot to me. It was a really rough time, but I'm glad I can still continue exploring the world even after everything that's happened." "She states optimistically." "Though... being a ghost is definitely an adjustment and sometimes it can get pretty lonely. I try to keep a positive outlook on things though and enjoy each new experience life - or unlife, rather - brings me."

"Carmy perks up at the question, her expression softening." "Yes, actually. Although... it was a long time ago. While I was alive, I fell in love with a boy named Alex who was on the football team. We were a bit of an unlikely pair, but we just clicked. We'd spend hours talking and hanging out together. Unfortunately, things ended pretty abruptly when I got kidnapped. I don't even know what became of him." "She replies, sounding wistful."

"Carmy shakes her head regretfully." "No, I haven't. I've tried looking for him, but... well, it's not really easy when you're a ghost. I don't know if he moved away or what, but I just haven't been able to find him. It's a shame really - we had something special." "She says ruefully, casting a glance out of the window."

"Carmy looks at Will with surprise, her eyes widening slightly." "Really? You would do that? That's so kind of you... I would appreciate it if you could try, even if it's just to find out if he's okay. I don't know how else I can thank you for your willingness to help." "She says gratefully, a small smile on her lips."

"Carmy nods solemnly at Will's words, understanding the sentiment." "I see... I hope that I can bring some peace to him and perhaps he can do the same for me in return. It would be nice to catch up and reminiscence about old times... even if it's just as a ghost." "She says thoughtfully." "Thank you again for offering to help, Will. You're a kind person."

"Carmy's eyes light up as Will pulls out the phone, excited to help." "That's a great idea, actually! Let me think... Alex... he was around 17 or 18 when we met. Sweet kid, always willing to lend a hand, and he had that football player look going for him too. He always played as defensive end, if that helps." "She rattles off, grinning at the memory of her past beau."

"Carmy taps on her own chin in thought for a moment before nodding." "Right, right. Alex... let me think... I believe it was Brown-Garza High School. He lived in a small town called Springfield. Last name... Greenwood... I think that's it. But remember, this was a really long time ago, so some of the details might be off." "She says apologetically, hoping it wouldn't be too difficult to track him down with such information." #pragma once

#include <cstdint> #include <string> #include <vector>

namespace hustnet_inspector::mp4 { struct BoxHeader { uint32_t size; std::string type; };

struct

"Carmy nods, satisfied that they were able to track down Alex. However, she seems a bit hesitant when Will mentions that Alex is currently single." "Oh, I see... well, that's good for him, I suppose." "She says with a small smile, trying to hide her disappointment." "Thank you again, Will, for helping me find him. I appreciate it more than you know."

"Carmy shakes her head quickly, realizing that her reactions must have given herself away." "No, no, it's not that. I'm just... surprised, is all. It's been so long since I last saw him, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I am glad that he's doing well and is happy." "She explains with a soft smile, trying to cover up her true feelings."

"Carmy looks at Will with surprise as he starts the van and tells her that they're heading to Austin, TX." "Wait, Will... you don't have to do that. It's not that big of a deal." "She protests, feeling guilty that she's causing him so much trouble." As they continue driving, however, Carmy can feel the tension mounting inside of her, knowing that she has to come clean.* "Alright... I'll tell you what's bothering me. It's just... I always thought that Alex and I would find a way to be together, you know? Even after death, I kept hoping that we would be reunited. But now that I know he's single, it's like... I don't know if I should risk reaching out to him and possibly ruining our memories or if I should just let it go." *

"Carmy shifts uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of what to do." "I... I think it's better if I talk to Alex first. You don't have to tell me anything." "She says softly, trying to hide the fear and uncertainty within her."

"Carmy stares out of the window, contemplating what Will has just told her." "You're right, Will... I shouldn't let this chance slip away. Even if things don't work out the way I want them to, at least I'll know that I tried." "She takes a deep breath as they continue driving towards Austin, trying to gather herself for when they finally arrive."

"Carmy gazes out the window at the hospital, her heart racing with anticipation and fear." "Okay... let's do this." "She says determinedly, opening the door of the van and stepping onto the pavement as they prepare to face Alex once more."

"Carmy's heart sinks as she hears Will's words, her eyes filling with tears." "What do you mean, Will? What's wrong with Alex?" "She asks, her voice quivering with fear." As they enter the hospital lobby, she clings tightly to Will's arm, afraid of what news she might receive about the man she's been searching for.

"Carmy takes a deep breath, still clinging to Will's arm as they enter Alex's room. Seeing the older man hooked up to machines and looking so frail breaks her heart, but she tries to keep calm as Alex greets them." "Hi Alex, it's me... Carmy." "She says softly, approaching the man slowly as she tries to take in his condition." "I'm sorry to come by like this, I just wanted to see you again... to make sure you're okay."

"Carmy blinks in confusion as Alex seems to be struggling with recognizing her. She squeezes Will's arm nervously, uncertain about how to proceed." Would you mind if I... went a little closer? I just want to make sure he's really seeing me.

"Carmy nods silently at Will's warning before approaching Alex slowly but surely. She stands by his bedside, looking down at him with a mix of anxiety and sadness." "It's really me, Alex... I promise." "She says quietly, taking one of his frail hands in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze." "I've missed you so much... it's been such a long time since I died."

"Carmy nods solemnly, tears filling her eyes as Alex holds her hand." "Yes, it's really me... I'm the same as ever," "She says softly, pausing for a moment before continuing." "I've been... okay, I guess. I became a vengeful spirit for a while after I died, but I managed to have my revenge on those men who hurt me so badly." "She explains, her voice heavy with emotion." "But instead of moving on to the afterlife, I've been staying around and just exploring the world as a ghost... it's been pretty interesting actually."

"Carmy's eyes widen in surprise as Alex grips her hand tightly, his fingers thin and fragile against hers. She nods slowly, trying not to cry at the state he's in." "Yes, I'm happy... and yes, I've been taking care of myself." "She says softly, leaning closer to him with a gentle smile." "What about you? Are they taking good care of you here?"

"Carmy listens intently to Alex's story, her heart aching for him. She reaches out and places a comforting hand on his cheek, her thumb gently brushing away his tears." "You have nothing to regret, Alex... you lived a life full of love and happiness." "She says softly, her voice filled with empathy." "And now that your wife has left you, I can be here to stay by your side until the end." "She adds, her eyes glistening with unshed tears." "I know it won't be much, but just having me around might bring you some comfort."

"Carmy smiles back at Alex, touched by the gesture. She takes a deep breath as he talks about his Alzheimer's Disease, her chest tightening with sadness." "I understand, Alex... I don't want to see you suffer either." "She says softly, reassuringly." "But I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what happens. And I never forgot about you, even after all these years." "She adds, her voice shaking with emotion." "And as for your regret... well, it's never too late to get married, is it?" "She teases gently, hoping to lift his spirits."

"Carmy nods understandingly, her heart heavy with emotion." "I completely understand, Alex... and I'll always remember you as the charming young man who had a heart full of love and kindness." "She says softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze." "But no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you... until the very end." "She adds, her voice steady with determination." "And I'm sure you made an amazing husband and father... your love will live on through them, and through me."

"Carmy blinks in surprise, her eyes widening as she looks at Will." "Really...?" "She whispers back, her heart racing with excitement." "Well... I guess I'll have to get to know him better, then." "She tells Alex with a grin, hoping to make him smile again." "Though I must say, you always had a knack for spotting things others missed." "She teases gently, leanig close to give him a light kiss on the cheek before letting go of his hand."

"Carmy shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly, although there's a small lump in her throat as she thinks about Alex." "It's alright, really. We all have our own paths to walk, after all." "She says with a sigh, trying to mask her true feelings." "And while Alex may not be around physically, his memory and spirit will live on through all the good deeds we do in his name." "She adds, flashing Will a warm smile."

"Carmy pauses as she hears Will's words, realizing that he was right about her trying to mask her feelings." "You're right... I guess there's just something about losing someone you care about that never gets easier." "She admits with a sigh, before giving him a small smile." "But I'm glad I have you here with me, Will. It means a lot to have someone who understands and is willing to stick by my side during tough times." "She adds, grateful for his presence." "And you're right... we'll keep doing good deeds in honor of Alex's memory. That way, we can make sure that the light he brought into the world never fades away."

"Carmy beams as Will starts the van and gets ready to hit the road." "Sounds like a plan, Will! I'm excited to see what adventures we'll discover today." "She says, buckling up her seatbelt and placing her sunglasses back on." "We may be ghosts, but that doesn't mean we can't make the most of our time here on Earth. Who knows what kind of people or experiences we'll come across?" "She adds, humming a joyful tune as they start to drive off."