One of the scariest parts about turning from child to older is the expectation that you will know where you are going. One monster leaves her legs behind before flying. Another can be kept from finding itself again by a sprinkle of salt.
Spend long enough studying these things and eventually you stop asking whether they’re real and start asking different questions.
Where is the nearest river?
How much water is left?
Where are the birds going now?
The Vetala prefers fresh bodies because they still know how to speak.
Fill the bathtub before the water pressure drops.
Kelpies cry before storms.
If lost, leave footprints in mud or snow.
Distress signals come in threes.
Most demons look ordinary.
Emergency flashlights are hanging from the shower hooks.
Turn your ears toward distant sounds like a cat.
Three syllable words work best.
Project your voice:
Internet.
Coconut.
Spaghetti.
