“Grab her ankles, Justin, and we’ll ease her out of there.” Sally Ann had wedged herself into a niche four inches high by three inches deep, between the cover and the top lip of the well. Working carefully, pulling gently, one leg at a time, the hips, then the shoulders were eased out. They set her down on the grass and Cora sent Justin for a bucket of cool water.

It was the body of a little girl, but it was as light as a paper bag. Breasts were sunken into the ribs, and the toes were worn down, leaving raw wounds on her feet. Strands of blond hair remained, but most of the head was bald and raw, and her shoulder bones were laid bare where the flesh had been scraped off. Eyes were sunk deep into their sockets and as Cora washed away the blood and grime from her face, the girl became semiconscious and started sucking the cloth. “Easy, girl. Not too much to drink at first.” She removed the cloth, and immediately the girl tried to speak.

The swollen tongue wagged through toothless gums as clicking noises came gagging from deep in her throat. Cora turned to Justin who was gaping at the sight. “Justin, get your mother and cover up this hole, then help me get this poor thing into the house.”

Maggie stepped forward. “No!”

Cora turned and looked up at her, a puzzled frown asking the question.

“She’s come back to haunt me, Momma. It’s Sally Ann, back from the grave!”

Cora looked down at the frail creature and she caught her breath. “Great Mother of God,” she breathed quietly. She scooped the girl up in her arms and carried her into the cool house, the bent baby spoon still dangling from one finger.

4

4

After a brief knock on the door, Cora entered the room. “Are you awake?”

“Yes.”

“I brought you some breakfast.”

“I’m not very hungry.”

“If you don’t eat, girl, you won’t be able to keep up your strength.” Cora set the tray down on the dresser. “Here. At least have some toast.”

Sally Ann sat up in bed and took the plate of wheat toast from her mother. “Thanks.”

“And after you eat, I’ll take another look at those toes. You should be up and walking about now. That’ll bring back your appetite.”

“I want to see Michael.”

Cora sighed. She drew up a chair from the desk and sat down. “I guess it’s time we talked the truth to each other, Sally Ann. Michael doesn’t know you’re here.”

“Well, tell him. I’m well enough to see him now.”