They crossed one of the brooks that wind through the cemetery passing into Woodland They drove through the oldest area with thin granite headstones It’s a huge cemetery It has graves from three hundred years ago right up to the present Tall hemlock trees shade everything The dirt roads aren’t much wider than walking paths The car curved around a giant boulder Mom slammed on the brakes A girl was standing in the middle of the road She was staring up the hill 10
Mom flung open the door and leaned out Are you all right The girl turned She had straight dark hair and a thin face She was a little older than Jared about fourteen The night was cool but she was wearing a short-sleeved shirt Are you okay Mom stepped out of the car Jared did too I fell the girl said Her hands were scratched and spattered with mud Just now Mom asked A while ago said the girl She seemed stunned 11
We’ll give you a ride Mom said You must be freezing The girl got in the back seat Mom turned up the fan which provided instant heat 12
I’m Joyce Mom said I don’t have a blanket or anything Jared give her your jacket Jared grimaced This is the first cool jacket I’ve ever had he thought It 13
