Greetings, boils and ghouls!

"Last Respects" is based on a story by the same name which appeared in EC's legendary "Tales from the Crypt" series, volume 1, #23, Apr - May 1951. I knew, right after reading it, that it would be perfect for Johnny and Operetta!

The last name "Destler" is borrowed from Robert Englund's role as the Phantom, Erik Destler, in "Phantom of the Opera" (1989).

The last name "Esprit" is French, pronounced "es-PREE". In English usage, it means "lively, witty, vivacious", but its literal translation means "spirit".

Now, if you don't mind, an epilogue of sorts.

Consider how alone and terrified Johnny must have felt, discovering the mausoleum door was locked, coming to the conclusion that his only chance at survival meant devouring the remains of his beloved.

Then, after his death, he is locked in a detention hall beneath Monster High. Totally alone, unable to record the passage of time, replaying his crimes in his head over and over again. Consumed, like all ghosts, with memories and appetites he cannot rationalize or act upon. Wondering if he'll ever see Retta again, if he'll ever be able to ask her forgiveness, or if his last memories of her will be the poisonous taste of her flesh.

And then, in their reunion, realizing she doesn't remember him at all.. doesn't remember a time before she herself was a phantom.

Do you think he'd tell her? Or would that secret stay within him, silent, eating away at him.. like poison.. forever?

Pleasant screams!

~ Chromatoast