Only Fools Walk Free by Sandra R. Neeley

This story is a 22,948 word novella. It has been revised and expanded from its original short story format which was released in an anthology that is no longer available.

Samuel and Clarice live in a time that demands their love remain hidden or risk being ostracized by the society of the day. Her father learns of her indiscretion — her shame on his family name — and his actions separate the two forever.
But all is not lost. Samuel’s mother is a Voodoo Priestess, one of the most powerful in New Orleans. Desperately, she searches for a way to free her son from the curse he unwittingly brought down on himself with a simple prayer to protect his beloved Clarice.
Samuel stands silently by, watching decades pass as he dreams of his beloved Clarice. He’s lost all hope, until one day a little girl happens upon his tomb. Surely he’s mistaken — can she see him?