Puzzle 36

[hintcoinplz]

[Phone.]

I-I think something may be wrong with my voice. It keeps getting all squeaky- [and right on cue, Luke's voice cracks as he makes a high-pitched noise] -when I talk.

[He coughs and clears his throat, trying to make his voice sound deeper.]

I think I might be [and again his voice cracks] getting sick. [Another cough before Luke tries to make his voice deeper again.] I mean, I think I'm getting sick.

I-I think I'm going to just stay off the phones for a while. I've got a speech due in class tomorrow...

[Unfortunately for Luke, he's yet to realize that he's hitting puberty now.]

[Outside 726 Anderson Lane.]

[It's that time of year again - a set of pumpkins will suddenly appear on the porch of 726 Anderson Lane with a set of carving tools and a bucket nearby. Who's the culprit? Well, it's probably that boy rolling yet another pumpkin up the street, past the row of newer and smaller golems being built in the yard of 726 Anderson, and towards the porch.]

Comments

[hintcoinplz]

[Stronger then Susan? Luke doesn't think he knows the answer to that one, so he shakes his head and waits for an answer.]

[inthebones]

Belief.

[This is about as un-Susan-like a thing as she will ever say. Indeed, she seems uncomfortable even voicing the word.]

Yes. Belief. ...Belief so strong that death cannot enter into its realm. Belief so strong that it could unmake death if it chose to. The belief of a child, blind and pure.

[A slight pause]

Perhaps you're past that age, but as you seem to believe so strongly in your own immortality... believe in Edward, for his sake. And I can guarantee you that not a hair on his head will be harmed.

[hintcoinplz]

...Really?

[He doesn't sound like he's being sarcastic. In fact, he sounds a bit hopeful.

Luke had learned that with this town, things like hope and belief were pointless things, but with the town fall apart...

Maybe he was allowed to be optimistic again?]

You really think - believe, that he'll be all right?

[inthebones]

I'm too cynical to believe anything. It won't work for me, not the least of which because I never believed in anything as a child.

[She gives a slight shrug.]

You might be able to manage it. If two children can believe enough in a poker to save my life, you can believe enough in Edward to save his.

[hintcoinplz]

W-well I will then! If that's what it takes, I'll believe with every bit of belief I've got!

[inthebones]

[This must be how people contract diabetes. Susan manages to keep a smile as she pats Luke lightly on the head.]

That's the spirit.

And if all else fails, remember to always aim for the bit between the legs. Go on with your vegetable defacing now.

[hintcoinplz]

Thanks, miss Susan.

...Really, I mean it.

[inthebones]

You're welcome.

Try not to make a mess.

[As always, Susan takes the thanks without making an emotional fuss about it. With a nod, she sweeps on past back into the house.]