Countless Haints (Part 8)

Pa opened the door just a crack.  The creaking hinges, the light spilling into the darkened room, roused Madi.  Her eyes fluttered open, but she didn't move.  She didn't speak. 

"You awake?" Pa asked.  His voice, barely a whisper, trembled. 

Madi's back was to the doorway, but she imagined Pa standing there, watching silently, chewing the inside of his mouth the way he did when nagging thoughts worried him.  Madi pretended to sleep, and after several minutes Pa pushed the door closed and...