California Beach Bliss

Suze Simon and her friend Gina are soaking up the sun on Carmel Beach, enjoying the idyllic California weather. Despite the allure of the beach, Suze is aware of her responsibilities as a high school student. The tranquility is disrupted when Suze's stepbrother, Dopey, gets into trouble in the water, prompting a rescue by a handsome lifeguard. This incident sets the stage for the supernatural events that follow, as Suze's unique ability to communicate with the dead soon comes into play.

Ghostly Beach Encounter

While at a convenience store, Suze encounters the spirits of four teenagers dressed in formal wear, attempting to steal beer. Realizing they are ghosts, Suze understands that her mediator abilities are needed. These spirits, known as the RLS Angels, are restless and have unfinished business. Suze's encounter with them hints at the deeper mystery surrounding their deaths and the role she must play in resolving their issues.

School Drama Unfolds

At school, Suze learns about Michael Meducci, a fellow student involved in a car accident that killed the RLS Angels. Michael's sister is in a coma from a separate incident, adding to his family's woes. Suze's interactions with Michael reveal his vulnerability and the burden of guilt he carries. As Suze navigates school life, she becomes increasingly entangled in the mystery of the RLS Angels and Michael's connection to their deaths.

Unveiling Hidden Secrets

Suze's investigation into the RLS Angels' deaths leads her to suspect that Michael may have had a motive for their murder. As she delves deeper, she uncovers the truth about the party where Michael's sister was injured and the role the RLS Angels played. Suze's determination to uncover the truth puts her at odds with her own safety, as she realizes the danger she faces from both the living and the dead.

Dangerous Beach Rescue

Suze's mediator abilities are put to the test when she witnesses Michael being pulled under by ghostly hands at the beach. Ignoring her fear of the ocean, Suze dives in to save him, battling the spirits intent on drowning him. This act of bravery highlights Suze's commitment to protecting the living, even as she grapples with the moral complexities of her role as a mediator.

Confronting the Past

Suze confronts Michael about the accident, suspecting his involvement in the RLS Angels' deaths. Michael's confession reveals his deep-seated anger and desire for revenge against those he blames for his sister's condition. Suze's empathy for Michael is tested as she struggles to reconcile his actions with the person she thought she knew. This confrontation forces Suze to confront her own beliefs about justice and redemption.

A Deadly Revelation

Determined to bring Michael to justice, Suze devises a plan to confront him at the scene of the accident. Her actions inadvertently summon the RLS Angels, who seek vengeance against Michael. The situation spirals out of control as Suze realizes the consequences of her actions, leading to a violent confrontation that tests her mediator abilities and her resolve to protect the living.

A Near-Fatal Accident

Suze's investigation takes a dangerous turn when the brakes on her stepbrother's car fail, leading to a near-fatal crash. The incident reveals the lengths to which the RLS Angels will go to exact their revenge. Suze's survival is a testament to her resilience and the support of her friends and family, who rally around her in the aftermath of the crash.

The Truth Uncovered

With the evidence against him mounting, Michael confesses to his role in the RLS Angels' deaths. His arrest brings closure to the mystery, but not without leaving a lasting impact on Suze and those around her. The resolution of the case forces Suze to reflect on her role as a mediator and the moral complexities of her actions.

A Mediator's Dilemma

As Suze recovers from her injuries, she reflects on the events that have transpired and the lessons she has learned. Her relationship with Jesse, the ghost who resides in her home, is tested by the choices she has made. Suze's journey as a mediator continues, as she grapples with the responsibilities and challenges of her unique abilities, and the impact they have on her life and those she cares about.

Characters

Suze Simon

Suze is a high school student with the unique ability to communicate with the dead. As a mediator, she is responsible for helping restless spirits move on to the afterlife. Suze is brave and determined, often putting herself in danger to protect others. Her interactions with the living and the dead reveal her inner conflict as she navigates the moral complexities of her role. Suze's journey is marked by her struggle to balance her responsibilities as a mediator with her desire for a normal life.

Michael Meducci

Michael is a fellow student at Suze's school, burdened by guilt and anger over his sister's condition and the deaths of the RLS Angels. His desire for revenge leads him to commit a heinous crime, which he initially conceals from those around him. Michael's interactions with Suze reveal his vulnerability and the depth of his internal struggle. His eventual confession and arrest highlight the consequences of his actions and the impact of his choices on those around him.

Jesse de Silva

Jesse is the ghost of a nineteenth-century man who resides in Suze's home. He is protective of Suze and often assists her in her mediator duties. Jesse's interactions with Suze reveal a deep bond between them, marked by mutual respect and understanding. His presence in Suze's life adds a layer of complexity to her role as a mediator, as she grapples with her feelings for him and the implications of their relationship.

Father Dominic

Father Dominic is the principal of Suze's school and a fellow mediator. He serves as a mentor to Suze, offering guidance and support as she navigates the challenges of her role. Father Dominic's wisdom and experience provide a stabilizing influence in Suze's life, helping her to make difficult decisions and understand the moral implications of her actions.

Gina Augustin

Gina is Suze's best friend from New York, visiting her in California. She is outspoken and supportive, often providing a voice of reason in Suze's life. Gina's presence offers Suze a sense of normalcy and connection to her past, even as she becomes entangled in the supernatural events surrounding Suze's mediator duties.

RLS Angels

The RLS Angels are the spirits of four teenagers who died in a car accident. They are restless and vengeful, seeking justice for their untimely deaths. Their interactions with Suze reveal their anger and frustration, as well as the impact of their actions on the living. The resolution of their story highlights the complexities of justice and redemption in the afterlife.

Brad "Dopey" Ackerman

Brad, nicknamed Dopey, is one of Suze's stepbrothers. He is brash and impulsive, often getting into trouble and causing tension within the family. Despite his flaws, Brad's interactions with Suze reveal a deeper vulnerability and a desire for acceptance. His involvement in the events surrounding the RLS Angels' deaths highlights the interconnectedness of the characters' lives.

Jake "Sleepy" Ackerman

Jake, nicknamed Sleepy, is another of Suze's stepbrothers. He is laid-back and protective, often serving as a calming influence in the family. Jake's interactions with Suze reveal his loyalty and support, even as he navigates the challenges of their blended family. His presence provides a sense of stability and security in Suze's life.

David "Doc" Ackerman

David, nicknamed Doc, is the youngest of Suze's stepbrothers. He is intelligent and observant, often providing valuable insights and information to Suze. Doc's interactions with Suze reveal his curiosity and eagerness to learn, as well as his desire to help his family. His presence adds a layer of complexity to the family dynamic, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence.

Kelly Prescott

Kelly is a classmate of Suze's, known for her popularity and superficiality. Her interactions with Suze reveal her obsession with social status and her willingness to manipulate others to maintain her position. Kelly's presence in the story highlights the pressures and challenges of high school life, as well as the impact of social dynamics on the characters' relationships.

Plot Devices

Mediator Abilities

Suze's ability to communicate with and help the dead is central to the story. Her role as a mediator drives the plot, as she navigates the challenges and responsibilities of her abilities. This plot device allows for exploration of themes such as justice, redemption, and the afterlife, as Suze works to resolve the issues of restless spirits and protect the living.

Ghostly Vengeance

The RLS Angels' quest for vengeance serves as a key plot device, driving the conflict and tension in the story. Their desire for justice highlights the moral complexities of the afterlife and the impact of unresolved issues on both the living and the dead. This plot device underscores the themes of justice and redemption, as Suze works to mediate between the two worlds.

Moral Dilemmas

Suze's journey is marked by moral dilemmas, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the responsibilities of her role as a mediator. This plot device allows for exploration of themes such as justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature, as Suze navigates the challenges of her unique abilities and the impact they have on her life and those around her.

Supernatural Conflict

The conflict between Suze and the RLS Angels serves as a key plot device, driving the action and tension in the story. This supernatural conflict highlights the challenges and responsibilities of Suze's role as a mediator, as she works to protect the living and resolve the issues of the dead. This plot device underscores the themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of the afterlife.

Analysis

"Reunion" delves into the complexities of justice and redemption, as Suze navigates the challenges of her role as a mediator. The story explores the impact of unresolved issues on both the living and the dead, highlighting the moral dilemmas and responsibilities that come with Suze's unique abilities. Through her interactions with the RLS Angels and Michael Meducci, the story examines themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature. Suze's journey is marked by her struggle to balance her responsibilities as a mediator with her desire for a normal life, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the impact they have on those around her. The story ultimately underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of justice in both the living and the afterlife.

Last updated: February 28, 2025