The Secret My Mother Buried

is ground, his expression unreadable

skin replied, its head tilting slightly

ackled with unspoken tens

trip," Mr. Miller said, his voice e

. "Just a long walk. Got a bit turned aroun

something flickered in those dead eyes – s

of me. "Well, good to see you back

was a strange note in its voi

oulder. "You call me if you need anything, Maya.

. As Mr. Miller opened it, he paused. "David, you take

d him, leaving me once more in the chilling pr

ed. "David" turned

much," it said. "Every

uld smell the damp earth, t

eam, to run, bu

get any closer, headlights swept acros

ps on t

She w

hausted and older than when she'd left. Her hair was disheveled

tanding so close to me. Her eyes, though

inda snapped, her voic

l smile unwavering. "Linda. You're

my side, pulling me away from th

ded, unabl

nd urgent, for my ears only, though "David" watched us, unb

gave me this. Blessed salt and ash

s what the old folks call a Hollow Man. Or a Fetch. A spirit from the old hills. It latches onto the dying, out in t

ed at her word

barely a whisper. "Before it fully 'sets,' before it bec

earth it can't stand. Running water, to wash away its earthly form,

e to believe, to be strong. "We have to d

ce to the silent, smiling thing th

water. S

ing from one of Mr. Mi

dead eyes and that unnatural smile, I

I finally asked

ned. "We have to get it into