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They walked gently on the wood. Rose Town didn’t stay dry long enough for it to get brittle, or wet long enough for it to rot. But it would be stupid not to be careful.

There was a room upstairs with a bed and dresser, everything set up like the owner would be home any minute. Hollis and Annie shut that door tight and instead chose a room that was completely empty. Judging by the scratches and staining on the floor, it had been a formal dining room at some point. Probably looted decades ago before everyone was too scared to take things.

Hollis unfolded the sleeping bag while Annie tested the windows and the floors for soft spots. She propped up a flashlight and two packs of batteries by the head of their makeshift bed.

Hollis unpacked the candle his ma let him bring. It was the gingerbread-scented one she bought the previous year and hated the smell of, but Hollis didn’t mind.

Annie was doing something by the door.

“What’s that?”

“I’m taping across the lock, so it won’t stick. I’m not getting trapped in this room by anyone, ghosts or otherwise.”

“Smart.”

Annie grinned. “I do my best. Anyway, do you want to play with the girls downstairs or go on a walk? Lisa was kind of a bitch to you.”

Hollis didn’t mind.

Lisa didn’t know him; she didn’t have to be nice to him.

“Let’s walk. I could show you some stuff.”