Page 11 - Breakdown

“Evil visits there. It don’t live there;
nothing can live there. But still, it ain’t no place
for young folks,” explained LouAnn.
“We have to get going,” Maddy said

abruptly. She stood up to leave.
Merl shook his head. “I wouldn’t advise
you go to Pig’s Eye Island, but if you are stupid
enough to, be sure to go only when the sun
shines. And the island can flood in minutes.
You got to watch the shore. Always watch

the shore.”
He propped the door open for Maddy
and Owen. The snakes were once again in
full view, slithering and wiggling in the grass.
Maddy gave a little yelp.

LouAnn explained, “This area used to be
part of the river. It seems that the snakes don’t
know that it ain’t a river no more. They are
harmless, darlin’.”
Maddy tried not to show how much she
didn’t like snakes. Owen and Maddy thanked

the couple and walked to the car.
Then LouAnn hollered from the doorway,
“Your heart will lead you to your mom. Don’t

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