Curses and spells persisted, even in the era of fiber optics and telephones. Atavistic, yes, but not extinct. Maybe Noah wasn’t a warlock, but there might be others. Caution, thus, was the answer. Though, at the same time, one couldn’t live in fear. There was a thesis to finish and a second pumpkin to carve. There were the paths carpeted with leaves that crunched under her boots, the chill of the October evening, and the setting sun painting steeples and roofs golden.
