Alyssa smiled too for a moment, before getting back to the subject at hand. “So, any other requirements for your girlfriend?”

“Hmm… I supposed I would prefer a girl around my own age, preferably one with common interests.”

“Alright, so… how old is that, exactly?”

“I believe I represent your past self as you were at age sixteen or seventeen. I’m afraid I can’t be more precise than that. It is difficult to recall but I, so to speak, ‘faded’ into existence over time. I presume that as you lost certain traits, they came to reside in me.”

“Huh. Well, I guess that’s enough to work with? And common interests… let me see, what was I into at that age? Uh, fantasy novels, anime from the 90s, weird online stories where someone’s gender gets transed… any of those higher priority than others?”

Andrew winced. “I’d prefer not to discuss the last of those interests with a potential romantic partner, thank you very much. I suppose I desire a partner who is intelligent and who shows interest in my passions, such as the fantasy setting I have created.”

“So you want some kinda nerd. Got it. Hmm, now that I think about it more, the age thing might be an issue. I mean, not that many people die as teenagers, right? Especially not in a quiet suburb like this. Well, except that one guy who got murdered by cops. Or some car crash victims. Or opioid overdoses. Or that guy who died in the refinery explosion. Still, though, like, mostly not a big thing.”

“Well, one does not need to have died in a literal sense, as clearly shown by my own existence. Perhaps you should search for those who have changed as drastically as you yourself have.”

“Oh, good point. Yeah, that actually seems more promising. I probably would’ve thought of that but I’m pretty high right now.” Alyssa laughed.

“I’m somewhat disturbed to see my future self has slid into… degeneracy.” Andrew said. “Drugs are for common criminals.”

“Shut up, dude. It got legalized years ago at this point. Also, I’ve been so FUCKIN’ BORED during this pandemic. Like, what else is there to even do? Wait, actually, is being a ghost boring? Do you, like… sleep?”

“When not interacting with the physical world, I find my consciousness descends to a lower state, much like how many mammals hibernate.”

“Cool. Anyway, I think I have an idea how to scope stuff out now. Finally, Facebook will be good for something.”

“I personally eschew social media. I believe having an online presence is a potential liability.”

“Dude, you have no idea. The internet fuckin’ sucks but also things might be even worse without it? I mean, you don’t even really have a choice anymore. Everything is online now.”

Alyssa pulled out her phone and started scrolling through Facebook.

After about a minute passed, Andrew asked, “What are you looking for?”

“Oh, I’m looking through friends and mutuals that I went to high school with. Pretty sure there’s at least a few AFAB trans and/or nonbinary people so maybe they’d have their own ghosts? Although I’m not sure how to reach out to them. I mean, I can’t just open with, ‘Hey, we haven’t spoken in years, but have you seen any ghosts lately?’ Unless I got really lucky, I’d probably just get blocked.”

“If this would help, I believe I can see other ghosts.”

“Wait, so are you saying I wouldn’t be able to see ghosts that aren’t you, but you can?”

“That’s correct, yes. I believe each individual can only perceive ghosts who shared a close bond with them in life.”

“Alright, new plan: I try to arrange hanging out in person with, like, trans people from my high school and you secretly tag along and make some moves on their ghosts, if any are present.”

She turned to look at Andrew, whose expression suddenly looked strained. “I’m afraid that I, uh, am not terribly confident when it comes to talking to girls.”