It was one of those huge Shaker-box things. It was painted brown, with this brick red trim around the windows and the porch.

"Scary, aint it?" Jimmy said.

"Naw," I says, hoping Jimmy wouldn't see me shaking. Then my teeth started to rattle.

"You scared?"

"Naw, just cold," I said, and hugged myself to prove it.

"Let's go in, then."

"No, way, Jimmy, I told you my old man'll whip my hide."

"Chicken shit."

"I ain't no chicken shit."

• luc16