My mama always said, You can always ask. The worst they can do is say no. But I don’t think Mama was thinking about revenge and murder when she dealt out that piece of homespun advice

Don’t worry about paying me. Stay alive, child. You must save yourself. And, whatever you do, don’t forget who you are

You killed me.” My voice was unsteady. He held me close again. “I brought you back.” “Please tell me we only have to do that once.” He whispered against my ear, “I swear I won’t kill you again. Cross my heart and hope to die.” It was a bad joke

I felt absolutely nothing, and that frightened me even more than the darkness of oblivion

I wrapped my arms around my body, pushing away my doubts and indecision for just a moment, and looked out toward the cemetery. “Whatever it takes,” I vowed. And as I said the words, I felt a chill run across my neck and a ghostly touch slide down my cheek