Gloverville: Two Children Discover Their Neighbors’ Monstrous Hunger

Story transcript, edited from an automatic transcription. Minor transcription errors may remain; not checked word for word against the audio. Separate host segments and advertising omitted.

Gloverville. By Charles Campbell. October 1982. It was a Friday. Gloverville, South Carolina, is a very small town. Located on the stretch of road. Highway 421. Affectionately known as the Valley. It was only a few days before Halloween and it had been a rainy week. Ten-year-olds, Denise Watkins and Charlie Banks, were best friends. Charlie lived with his granny, Louise Corley, on Oak Street. And Denise lived across the street with her parents and older brother.

Charlie was sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch, watching the rain and waiting for Denise. Charlie heard the stray cats that lived under the house start scrapping. They yowled and hissed. Charlie listened as they rolled around until they stopped. Then, Charlie stood to go into the house, where he would pick up the phone and call Denise. Charlie! Charlie turned around and smiled. His best friend was running across the street wearing a black raincoat that was twice her size.

It was undoubtedly her brother's. Hurry! Charlie shouted. Denise sprang onto the porch and threw her arms around Charlie, soaking his t-shirt. But Charlie didn't care. She pulled off the raincoat and set it on the back of the rocking chair. She was wearing a Spider-Man t-shirt and had her brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. She loved superheroes. The two of them had spent countless hours pretending they were Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman after marathon comic book reading sessions in Charlie's bedroom.

Charlie and Denise had literally grown up together since they were infants. Denise was born in November 1970, and Charlie came along in February 1971. Ever since they could walk, they were never away from each other for very long. Charlie's mother, Margaret, worked two jobs, and it was just easier and better for Charlie to live with his granny. Charlie's mother made sure that he was taken care of, and she would stay at Mama Lou's house when she could.

Mama Lou cooking? Denise asked. Yeah, it'll be ready in a little bit. She said she'd take us to the video store later. I heard about this new scary movie. I heard. It's the scariest movie ever made. They say you might die if you watch it, Charlie said. His face was stern and serious. Denise chuckled. Really? You might die if you watch it? It can't be scarier than Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I hear it is, Charlie replied.

Denise sat down beside him. It was true they were best friends, but Denise loved flirting with her boy. It was a game. She kissed him on the cheek, and Charlie smiled. What's Mama Lou cooking? Salmon patties? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Denise hollered. Niecy? That you making all that noise? Mama Lou stepped from the kitchen and into the living room. Yes, Mama Lou? Well, come give me some sugar. Mama Lou said and opened her arms.

Niecy ran into them and planted one on Mama Lou's face. Mama Lou wasn't a small woman. Years of deep-fried southern comfort food made sure of that. She loved Denise, whom she and Charlie affectionately called Niecy, as much as she could love a child or grandchild of her own. Niecy spent just as much time at Mama Lou's as she did at her own house. Charlie said you're cooking salmon patties. I am, and they're almost done.

You two go wash your hands and get in the kitchen. Yes, ma'am. Come on, Charlie, Denise ordered. Charlie rose from the couch and followed Niecy. The kitchen was quiet as Niecy and Charlie wolfed down salmon patties. Charlie took his last bite and asked, Granny, you still taking us to the video store? I plan on it. What time y'all want to go? I'm ready now if Niecy is, Charlie said and looked at Denise.

Yeah, Mama Lou, I'm ready. Okay, let me get my pocketbook and we can go. Mama Lou shooed them toward the door. Charlie and Denise scrambled to the front porch. It had stopped raining. Denise grabbed the raincoat from the back of the rocking chair and set it on the porch swing. A voice called out. Hey, y'all! Charlie and Niecy turned to see Libby standing at the edge of the front yard. Her face had smudges of dirt and her sandy blonde hair was disheveled.

She was in a mud-stained yellow dress and her knees were skinned and scabbing from an apparent nasty slide on the asphalt. She was the daughter of Mama Lou's next-door neighbors, Tommy and Betty Reynolds. Hey, Libby! Niecy hollered back. Come on, Niecy! Mama Lou broke up the conversation before it could begin. Don't talk to that girl! She lives with the creeps! Mama Lou said. And it wasn't the first time she referred to Tommy and Betty as the creeps.

Libby frowned and walked back up her driveway. Charlie and Niecy hopped into Mama Lou's humongous red and white Ford Thunderbird. A few minutes later, they were in the neighboring valley town of Langley. Mama Lou eased the Thunderbird into a vacant parking spot in front of Valley Video. Charlie and Niecy were out of the car and in the store before Mama Lou could even get out. Back here! Charlie yelled and pulled Niecy to the horror section.

It's called Evil Dead! Charlie said. He was excited. Niecy began looking at one end of the row as Charlie searched the other. Found it! Niecy yelled and shook the display box proudly in the air. Charlie was beside her in an eye blink. Niecy handed over the display box and Charlie marveled at the cover art. The hand shooting up from the ground with The Evil Dead title covering the top half of the box in truly dreadful typeface.

He quickly read the back cover and knew immediately. This movie had to go home with him. Mama Lou was just walking in the front door. Niecy and Charlie were standing there, waiting. Granny! We found the movie! You found it that quick? Yes, ma'am. I did, actually. Niecy bragged. Put it on the counter, then, Mama Lou said and set her purse on the counter. Hey, Louise, Ricky Spradley said. He was the owner-operator of Valley Video, the only dedicated video store on 421.

The quick shop had a small video section in their convenience store, but it was almost always half empty, and it was mostly just the Valley Perverts that went there because they had porno movies. Ricky had a lot of movies, but he refrained from having porn movies. His wife wouldn't allow it. He had horror movies out the yin-yang, though. Hey there, Ricky. How's your mama doing? Mama Lou asked as she pulled the $1.25 from her change purse.

Fair to Midland, I reckon. I'm going to her house for supper after work, Ricky replied. He smiled at Mama Lou, and she smiled back. Ricky was a good-looking boy and had that signature dimpled chin that all the Spradley men had. Well, tell Arlene I asked about her, Mama Lou said, and Ricky pulled the movie from the case behind him and handed it over to Charlie. I will, Louise. You too. Y'all might pee your beds when you watch this one.

Watched it myself a couple nights ago. It's a real scary one. Ricky grinned at Charlie and Niecy. Niecy stuck her tongue out and pulled Charlie by the hand. They got in the car and Charlie spoke up when they got to Gloverville. Granny, can you stop at the Minute Shop real quick? I need to see if they got the new Spider-Man comic this week. You got money for that? I got y'all the movie.

I can't spring for comic books today, Mama Lou replied. I got $2, Mama Lou. You can stop, Niecy said. Charlie grinned at her because he didn't have two pennies, much less $2. Mama Lou turned into the Minute Shop. Okay, Charlie. Don't be all day in there now. I know how you get in front of them comic books. Pick one and come on. I'll make sure he hurries, Mama Lou. Niecy grabbed Charlie's hand and they walked into the Minute Shop.

Charles Prosser was in his normal spot behind the register. He opened the doors of the Minute Shop in 1965 and has been here every day to manage it. Ever since. Hey there, you two. We got some new comics in this morning. Charles proudly announced. Charlie spun the rack looking for the familiar red and blue costume of the amazing Spider-Man. And he found him. Spider-Man was battling the high-flying vulture on the cover.

Charlie's eyes lit up as he lifted the comic from the rack. Niecy held the latest edition of Wonder Woman in her hand. Wonder Woman had Cheetah wrapped up in the lasso of truth on the cover. The two of them rushed to the counter. Okay, that'll be 72 cents. Niecy handed over one of the two crumpled dollar bills she had in her pocket. Thank you, Mr. Prosser. Niecy said as Charles handed over the change.

I want to read that one when you're done, Charlie. Denise said as they walked out the door and back to the car. That was fast, Mama Lou said. I made sure he hurried up. Niecy grinned. And Mama Lou took them home. Libby was still standing outside when Mama Lou pulled up. She waved at Charlie and Niecy. Niecy waved back, but Charlie was too transfixed with the videotape they were about to watch.

Niecy, please don't be messing with the creeps. Mama Lou scorned. Libby makes me sad, Mama Lou. She just wants to be friends. Niecy replied as the three of them walked in together. Niecy? It's nothing against Libby, understand? Her parents, well... They ain't right in the head. Mama Lou said. Then she really needs a friend. Niecy responded and poked Charlie in the back. Mama Lou walked to the kitchen. Charlie wasn't paying attention to the conversation.

He was rewinding the tape. Apparently, Ricky didn't practice what he preached of Be kind, please rewind that adorned the signs throughout his store. Charlie wondered if Ricky charged himself a rewind fee. Huh? What? Libby, Niecy said. Mama Lou said that her mama and daddy ain't right in the head. She ain't wrong, Charlie said and continued. I mean, I never see them during the day and during the night me and granny hear strange noises coming from over there.

What kind of noises? I don't hear nothing at night. Niecy was now intrigued. That's because you live across the street. You can't hear it way over there. Spend the night tonight and I bet you'll hear it. Charlie whispered. The tape finally stopped rewinding and he couldn't wait to press the play button. Denise whispered in his ear. I'll come back tonight. Leave your window open. Charlie smiled. He pressed play on the VCR.

Niecy and Charlie held hands as they watched the movie that scared the shit out of them. It was the greatest movie Charlie had ever seen and he couldn't wait to watch it again. For Niecy, though, once was enough. Niecy stayed until her mama flickered the front porch light. That was her signal that it was time to come home. Niecy kissed Charlie on the cheek and whispered in his ear. Remember, leave your window open.

I'll be back tonight. Come on, Charlie. Ride with me to the L&M real quick. L&M? Yes, ma'am. Charlie jumped up and turned off the television. Normally, Mama Lou would give Charlie a $5 bill and have him walk to the well-known Valley Dive to pick up food, but the sun had already set. Charlie was opening the car door when there was a high-pitched scream coming from the creep's house. Charlie jumped and Mama Lou looked irritated.

Granny, what was that? Charlie shouted. Just get in the car. What if somebody's hurt? Charlie asked. He was squeezing the handle of the car door, but not pulling. Just get in the car. It's none of our business, Charlie. Get in the car or you can go get a switch. Yes, ma'am. Charlie got in the car. Mama Lou drove the quarter mile to L&M and gave Charlie the $5 bill. The greasy paper sack was sitting at the end of the counter.

Charlie's stomach was doing cartwheels as soon as he walked in. The smell of fried food and cigarette smoke saturated the restaurant. Miss Linda was smiling behind the register. She was so thin, she was the closest thing Charlie had ever seen to a walking skeleton. It was funny that someone this skinny would be working in a place like this where the calorie count was enough in one meal for two days. Hey, Charlie, your granny didn't make you walk, did she?

She asked with the throaty growl of a heavy cigarette smoker. She'd die of lung cancer in 15 years. No, ma'am. She's waiting outside. Good. Well, that's your bag at the end. The usual. Two cheeseburgers all the way and home fries. Charlie handed over the $5 bill and didn't wait on any change. He grabbed the grease stained bag and walked out the door. Linda smiled through the five teeth left in her head.

Oral hygiene wasn't at the top of her list. Got him, granny, Charlie announced when he got in the car. Smells good, Mama Lou said. I need you to run in the quick shop and grab some Coca-Cola. I didn't get by Freeman's this week, Mama Lou said. Smells good, Mama Lou said. I need you to run in the quick stop and grab some Coca-Cola. I didn't get by Freeman's this week, Mama Lou said.

Freeman's was a local gas station where Mama Lou would stop once a week for a fill-up and a case of Coca-Cola's that Harold would put in the trunk of the car. Mama Lou would always have a case of empties for the return bottle discount. Charlie took the two singles and went into the store. Hey, Charlie, Ed Baker said when he saw the boy walk in. You ain't been in here in a while.

I got a comic book rack too, just like Charles Prosser. Ed said while he was chewing on an unlit cigar. Granny wants me to get Coca-Cola's. We got food in the car. I'll come look at them tomorrow. You got any Spider-Man? Charlie asked as he pulled two Cokes from the cooler. I don't know exactly what they put in the rack. Probably do, Ed answered. To be blunt, Ed was fat. He had no neck, at least four chins, and he stunk to high heaven of B.O.

Charlie didn't want to hang around much longer and lose his appetite. Okay, here you go. Charlie put the $2 bills on the counter, and Ed counted out 63 cents in change. Charlie was trying to hold his breath and smile at the same time. Why is your face turning red, boy? Ed asked. Charlie didn't answer. He bolted out the door and took a big breath once he was outside. Charlie got in the car.

Mama Lou started to say something, but kept it inside. They went home, ate burgers, and watched the Dukes of Hazzard. 11.22 PM Charlie's mother, Margaret, decided to sleep at her trailer so the coast was 100% clear for Niecy's late night visit. She shined a flashlight in Charlie's window. Charlie turned on his bedside lamp and went over. He popped the screen out from the inside and helped Niecy come in. She was wearing Batman pajamas, and Charlie's heart melted.

Cool pajamas, Charlie said. Niecy hugged him and said, I like yours too. Charlie was wearing Spider-Man underoos with blue sweatpants. When me and Granny went to get supper, we heard somebody over there scream, Charlie said as he and Niecy sat together on the edge of the bed. Oh, wow. What kind of scream was it? Was it Libby? Maybe. I couldn't tell. It was real screechy like an animal, maybe. An animal, huh?

Niecy replied and rubbed her chin as if she were contemplating the possibilities. We stopped and got co-colas at the quick shop. Charlie pinched his nose. Ew. I know. Ed stinks so bad, Mama won't even let me go in there anymore. Billie Jean almost punched him the last time he was in there. He said he got comics now like the minute shop. Comics, huh? You think we could wear gas masks in there and check out the books?

Niecy grinned at Charlie. Maybe. Charlie walked to the window. His room faced the neighbor's house. Niecy, come here and listen. Niecy's ears perked up. They could hear noises coming from the backyard next door. What is that? They don't have a dog, do they? Charlie stayed quiet and shook his head no. Look, Charlie said and pointed toward the house. Every light in the house came on at the same time, flickered, and went out.

What in the world? Niecy was perplexed. Let's go see what's in the backyard. No way, Niecy. Come on, Charlie. Spider-Man wouldn't puss out like that. Ugh. Charlie was frustrated. He couldn't look like a coward in front of his friend wearing cool-ass Batman pajamas. Okay, let me get the flashlights real quick. Charlie rummaged around in the back of his closet for a few moments before emerging with a red and blue flashlight. They were equipped with fresh Duracell batteries, so they should be good to go.

Good deal, Spidey. Niecy held out her hand, and Charlie gave her the blue flashlight. She crawled out of the window first, and Charlie followed. They tiptoed along the edge of the yard. There was no fence separating the two yards, but there were three rows of cinder blocks, stacked on top of one another, that ran the length of the two properties. Once Niecy and Charlie made it to the backyard, Charlie pulled a five-gallon, half-full paint bucket from the back porch, and sat it in the dirt beside the blocks.

I'll go first, he whispered. Okay, hurry up. Charlie stood on top of the bucket and pulled himself over the top row of cinder blocks. Niecy was right behind him. Charlie offered his hand to help her up, but she waved him away to give her space, and she was over the blocks faster than he did. The creep's backyard was overgrown with weeds. Charlie thought he might be able to make a few bucks if his granny would let him ask to cut their grass.

Their back porch was dark. Niecy and Charlie remained still, listening for the noises they heard just a few minutes ago. There was a noise, but it wasn't like before. This noise was coming from inside the house. It sounded like someone dragging something heavy across a wooden floor. It was like metal scraping on wood. Hear that? Niecy asked. Charlie nodded his head. Let's go up on the porch. Charlie shook his head no.

Come on, Spidey. We'll just put our ear up to the door and see if we can make out what's going on in there. Niecy began moving before Charlie could protest. Charlie followed her to the bottom of the back porch steps. There was a noise. Cracking twigs. Charlie spun around and sputtered. Niecy! Niecy! You need to stop! Libby's behind us! Don't go up there! Libby whispered. She was in the same stained yellow dress.

And she was shaking. Oh my god, Libby. What is going on? Niecy replied. Shh! You don't want them to hear you. It might be too late. Libby stepped back into the dark shadows of the backyard. Suddenly, there was a loud screech coming from inside the house. It sounded as if it came directly from the other side of the back door. Charlie and Niecy looked at each other and bolted back to Mama Lou's house and through the open window.

Charlie slammed the window closed. What's going on in there? Mama Lou bellowed from her room. Niecy, get under the bed! Charlie ordered. That would be the best place for Niecy to hide because Mama Lou could easily check his closet, but it would be a might bit tougher for her to check under the bed because of her... size. Niecy crawled under the bed and Charlie pulled the bedspread over until it almost touched the floor.

His door opened and the bedroom light was switched on. What in the world is going on in here, boy? You have any idea what time it is? Mama Lou looked at him with the look Charlie recognized as her... switch-contemplating look. He certainly didn't want to take a switching, especially with Niecy under the bed. I had my window open because I was hot, and it was sticking, so I pulled on it a little too hard.

I'm sorry, Granny. It was just hot. Charlie said with as much remorse in his expression as he could. She was buying it. Granny's switch-contemplating look gave way to something more... compassionate. Okay, then. Next time it gets stuck, either come and get me and I'll unstick it or at least let me know before you slam the window shut. I thought the creeps were coming in to get us. Now go to bed, child.

Mama Lou flipped off the bedroom light and closed the door. Niecy waited a full minute before she belly-crawled from under the bed. That was close, Charlie. Niecy held the flashlight to her face. She was the prettiest dark night Charlie had ever seen. What were they doing over there? Why was Libby in the backyard? I think we should tell Granny. Charlie was as nervous as a gazelle in a lion cage. No, we should not tell Mama Lou, Niecy said sternly.

We'll figure it out tomorrow, okay? Libby'll be fine. She's sleeping in their shed out back. I don't want to cause a ruckus with whatever is in that house tonight. We'll come up with a plan tomorrow, Niecy said. It wasn't a debate. I don't know, Charlie started. Shh! Before Mama Lou comes back and we have a lot more explaining to do, I'm gonna go now. Watch me until I'm out the window and across the street.

I'll shine the light back towards you when I'm clear. Niecy opened the window and lit out. Charlie waited until he saw the light flash back at him before he carefully closed the window and went back to bed. Surprisingly, he went right to sleep and didn't wake up until Mama Lou knocked on his door and announced breakfast was ready. Niecy was over bright and early. After she and Charlie finished a breakfast that consisted of scrambled eggs, grits, biscuits, and sausage patties, they went outside.

The two cats that were fighting under the porch the day before were nuzzled up to each other in the swing this morning. They paid Niecy and Charlie no mind when they came outside. We need to check on Libby, Niecy said. She had a wrapped paper towel in her hand. What you got there? Charlie asked. I snuck two sausage biscuits out. Libby's probably starving. Oh, okay. I don't see her in the yard, Charlie said, knowing exactly how Niecy would respond.

We'll check the shed out back. I don't think that's a good idea. It's broad daylight, Charlie. It's gonna be fine. Come on, or I'll go by myself. Niecy had declared what she intended, and Charlie knew he couldn't talk her out of it. But he made one more effort. What about Granny? What if she catches us at the creep's house? She'll switch us both. You know she will. She's done it. I'll take us switching from Mama Lou.

Let's go. Niecy grabbed Charlie by the hand, and they used the paint bucket and scaled the blocks like the night before. The backyard was far less menacing in the daytime. It was October, but the grass was still overgrown. October in Gloverville was a lot warmer than most places in the country. The small aluminum shed sat alone in the farthest corner of the yard. There were windows on all sides of the shed, and they were all open.

Niecy felt the wet reeds of grass graze her arms as she moved with Charlie right behind her. She got to the front of the shed and whispered, Libby, you in there? There wasn't any noise coming from inside. Niecy grabbed the door handle. Charlie tensed up and actually held his breath. Niecy pushed the door open and gasped. What? What is it? Charlie looked over her shoulder. There was a folding lounge chair in the back of the shed, with a Hello Kitty pillow and a matching blanket.

There was an empty cereal bowl on the floor underneath the chair, along with a naked Barbie doll. The inside of the shed was a lot neater and cleaner than the outside would lead you to believe. It wasn't pristine, but it wasn't nasty either. There were a few rubbermaid buckets on the other side of the shed, along with a few gardening tools, but that was pretty much it. She's been sleeping in here.

That's so sad, Niecy said as she began to tear up. She felt regret at leaving Libby in the backyard the night before. She should have taken her home and explained it to her mother. Libby could have had a hot bath and a warm meal before she slept in a comfortable bed. The lounge chair was way on the other end of the comfort spectrum. Hey, Charlie and Niecy! You came to play with me?

Charlie and Niecy turned to look at Libby. She was standing behind them with a handful of yellow wildflowers. Libby, what on earth are you doing sleeping out here? Niecy blurted out. I have to! My mama and daddy, they get sick at night. They get the hungries and mama said I have to sleep outside when they get the hungries. She says it's for my own good. Libby looked down at her feet. Libby was cleaner than the day before.

She was wearing a plain red t-shirt and a pair of old faded jeans, but they were clean. What are the hungries? Charlie asked. Niecy shrugged her shoulders and they both looked to see if Libby would answer the question. I don't know exactly, but I know that it hurts them. They get the hungries and I have to leave. Sometimes... Libby seemed to think better of the information she was about to share. Sometimes what?

Niecy prodded. Nothing. It's nothing. I just have to leave the house. Mama's okay right now, though. I got a bath and she gave me clean clothes. Libby smiled as if no further explanation was needed and the world was good again. Can we come see you tonight? When you're in the shed? Niecy asked. Charlie looked at her like she was a crazy person. Will you? Libby's eyes lit up. Sure we will. Won't we, Charlie?

Yeah, can't wait. Charlie said sarcastically. He was thinking of the ultimate switching that he and Denise would undoubtedly get from Mama Lou when they were caught. Just do us a favor, though, Niecy began, and Libby nodded her head yes. Don't tell your mama and daddy we're coming over, okay? They probably don't want us knowing about their hungries. Understand? I understand. I go to the shed just before dark. That's what Mama says.

I can't go back in the house until it's daylight again. Okay. We'll come out back when Mama Lou goes to bed. We'll knock on the shed door so you know it's us. Yay! Thank you, Niecy! Libby gave her a hug and Charlie was still trying to understand what Niecy was up to. Oh, this is for you. Niecy handed over the sausage biscuits. Come on, Charlie. Let's go. Libby, we'll be back tonight.

Charlie and Niecy went back. To Mama Lou's. Niecy, why'd you do that? That was the first question Charlie had once they returned to Mama Lou's front yard. We need to see what's going on with her mama and daddy. Why does Libby have to sleep outside? We should just tell Granny. She's not going to do anything, Charlie. She won't even look in their yard. And we'll be cutting our switches. Probably will anyway before it's over, Charlie said.

Stop being a baby. Let's just see what's going on with Libby's folks and then we can tell my parents and Mama Lou. 10 p.m. Niecy showed up at Charlie's window, this time dressed for a nighttime adventure. She was wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a Clemson Tiger's ball cap with her hair pushed through the back. She didn't crawl in. She waited for Charlie to come out. He had the flashlights in his hand.

What are you going to do with those? Charlie asked when he saw the comic books in Niecy's hand. I'm giving these to Libby. Any Spider-Man comics in there? Charlie raised an eyebrow. No, Charlie. Come on. Let's get this over with. The two of them were at the shed 30 seconds later. Libby, Denise said and knocked on the door. Libby, it's us. It was quiet. Charlie was looking nervously around and Denise opened the door.

The lounge chair was still there, along with the pillow, blanket, and Barbie. But no Libby. What are we supposed to do now? Charlie asked. Let's go listen by the back door again. I was afraid you were going to say that. Niecy, why don't we just leave well enough alone? Charlie asked, but knowing that she wouldn't. Niecy was ornery enough to see through whatever that meant. She eased up to the back steps.

Charlie followed behind. Niecy turned off the flashlight when she put her ear up to the back door. Niecy, I don't think... Shh, Charlie. I'm trying to hear. Niecy listened and heard the same sound from the night before. Something heavy being drug across a floor. You hear that, Charlie? Yeah, I think we heard enough. Charlie was ready to bolt. Niecy pressed her ear harder against the back door. It opened. And she fell into the house.

She had to suppress a scream as she fell on her knees right into the kitchen. Oh shit, Niecy! Charlie whispered and went in after her. I'm okay. I guess the door wasn't locked. Niecy said and cocked her head. The noise was coming from down the hallway. We got to go. Don't even, Niecy. Charlie was beside himself when she started crouch walking down the dark hallway. There was a light at the end of the hall.

Another room. The smell of lemon pledge got stronger the closer Niecy got to the door. Charlie was still behind her, but she was definitely putting his loyalty to the test. He was fighting every instinct to run next door and wake Mama Lou. Niecy was right outside the door. The sound of dragging. Stopped. Niecy turned, looked at Charlie, and held a finger to her lips for him to stay quiet. She could hear Libby.

She was on the other side of the door. It's okay, Mama and Daddy. I brought the food for the hungries. Niecy heard growling behind the door and tapped Charlie on the arm. It was time to get the hell out of there. Suddenly, light filled the hallway. The door opened and Libby was giggling. I told you they would come, Mama. The food is here for the hungries. Libby moved aside. Niecy screamed and dug her nails into Charlie's arm to get him moving.

They took off down the hallway and out the back door. Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! Charlie repeated as he and Niecy stumbled into the backyard. They scrambled to jump into Mama Lou's backyard, but something stood between them and help. There were two creatures, both big, and both had fire-red eyes. Saliva dripped from their fangs, and Charlie could tell by the way they were dressed that they were Libby's folks. Betty and Tommy Reynolds.

The one wearing the flannel shirt and jeans was Tommy, and the one with the oversized housecoat was Betty. Libby was giggling from the porch. I'm sorry. It was the hungries. I told them you were coming, and I can stay in my room tonight, said Libby. Everything was right in her world. The creature that was Tommy snarled and held out his claws. They were long, black, and ready to rip flesh. Niecy leaned over and kissed Charlie on the cheek.

I'm sorry, Spidey. She held Charlie's hands and closed her eyes. They knew they were going to die. But at least they would leave like they came. Together. It made the sound of watermelons that Niecy's brother Billy Jean used to explode with cherry bombs. Charlie and Niecy opened their eyes, and the creature that was Tommy was headless and flailing his arms, clenching and unclenching his claws before he fell into the grass. The creature that was Betty turned to their attacker.

Niecy and Charlie heard the shell being chambered and witnessed the creature that was Betty's head explode in a gooey mass of blood and brains. Chunks fell into Niecy's lap and Charlie's hair. Gross! Niecy muttered and pulled herself up. Charlie was sitting there, in shock. Libby was crying. Mama! Daddy! Mama! She ran to the bodies that were once her parents and fell to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Get down here! Mama Lou shouted from her backyard.

She was holding the Remington pump at her side. Niecy held out her hand, Charlie grabbed it, and she helped him up. Little Libby remained crying in the grass as they walked away and jumped down into Mama Lou's backyard. Didn't I tell you not to mess with those creeps? I told both of you not to mess with that little girl. Go pull your switches and don't get little ones. I'll be in the house.

Charlie and Niecy replied, Yes, ma'am.