“And while people claimed to be creeped out, their smiles suggested that none of this was truly scary. It was like going to see a horror movie with a big group of friends: it was fun to be frightened, but when you were part of a large, noisy group, you knew nothing sinister was going to happen.”

“You could have all the crazy thoughts you wanted, as long as you smiled and kept them to yourself.”

“Dad stepped forward. "Mr. Zelden, I'm Patrick Silver."Zelden Frowned. “It’s Doctor Zelden, if you don’t mind. I do hold a doctorate in theology, you know.”Dad gave him a stiff smile. “Of course.”Both my parents held doctorates in psychology, but they never referred to themselves as doctors. They said that title should be reserved for people who could actually save lives, not just write a thesis.”

“Before we had left for Charleston, I had been shoved—hard—by and unseen spirit wreaking havoc in our house. I had been hurt, but it wasn’t nearly as serious as what had happened in Ohio.I tried to smile. “I guess I’m just a paranormal punching-bag.”

“Who cares what other people think? Don't let the opinions of others define you.”

“Do you see those white shapes?” he asked. I sucked in my breath. “What is it?” Mom shook her head. “We’re not sure yet. But, Charlotte, whatever they are, it appears that they followed us here.”

“I wanted someone to gaze at me that way, someone to share a truly incredible moment with. I wondered how long I would have to wait.”