“They comin’, Mama.” “Who comin’, chére?” “Spirits, Mama. They outside.” “You in the Hounfor again, chére? Without permission?” “I’m sorry, Mama. I was lookin’ at the books.” “You not old enough for them books, chére.” “I’m seventeen, Mama.” “Like I said.” “They gettin’ closer.” “Well, what did you think they was gonna do, chére? They always …