Page 35 of Hallow Hill at Halloween: Part Two

“Oh.Nowyou absolutely have to.”

With a grimace, he said, “’Wake Me Up Before You Go Go’”.

“You’re kidding.”

He was shaking his head. “I’m not.”

“Our door chime has a sense of humor?”

“To be technical, it’s probably the house that programs the music.”

“Has anybody rung since I’ve been awake?”

Keir thought about it. “Yes. Esme. In the wee hours.”

“Why?”

“To say Jeff’s back.”

“Jeff’s back and you didn’t think that was the lead story?”

“I… just didn’t think about it.”

“Is he okay?”

“I didn’t ask. But I think she would’ve said. Esme loves being the bearer of news. The worse the better.”

“That is so not true,” I defended my girl even if Keir was speaking raw truth. “Never mind. What song did the door sing?”

Keir thought back. “Something about ring my bell.”

“’Ring My Bell’ is a song. Was that it?”

“I think so. You want me to go ring?

“Well, yeah.”

“You’re good by yourself?”

“Go!” In half a minute I was listening to the tune of “Hello, Again,” by Neil Diamond. “No way,” I whispered to myself.

When Keir returned, I said, “The house might be better at this than I am.”

“Never.”

“You think I can change it?”

“I think the house responds to you. So. Yes.”

“I think I’ll let this play out a bit. I’m curious to see what the house does with the programming hat.”

Keir laughed softly and shook his head. “Whatever you say.”

“I’m gonna brush my teeth.”

“Good call.”

“See you in the kitchen.”