Then the ghost reappeared in the shape of Mr. Yi.

“I’m just a spirit—conjured in part by you. But listen to me
now, Fun Weng,” the ghost said. “I’m worried about my son. He
is deeply unhappy, and very alone. At this rate, he’ll never meet
anyone, and the living Mrs. Yi and I want grandchildren.”

“But you’re dead.”

“That doesn’t matter—a grandparent’s wish for grandchildren
goes beyond the grave.”

“But what can I do? How can I help?”

“Be a friend to him, Weng, that’s all. Reach out to him when
you get back and his life will begin changing for the better.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Good,” the spirit said. “Just be a friend and the rest will take
care of itself—these things I know—

but make haste, please. . . .”

“I will call the moment I get back.”

“Thank you,” the voice said. “You are my Golden Helper.”