Everyone knows better than to go near Old Man Schneider's house. Ever since his wife died, he's stayed shut inside with the curtains drawn. At night, the house creaks and groans like it's alive. The neighborhood kids claim they've seen bookshelves on witchcraft and necromancy on his bookshelves, and strange symbols drawn on his floor.

But Owen's mom doesn't see the danger. She just thinks he's a sad old man who needs someone to look out for him. So every week, she makes Owen go next door and bring Old Man Schneider a hot meal.

Until one week, it isn't Old Man Schneider who answers the door. It's his wife.

And she wants Owen to come inside.

This short story is 6100 words long. It can also be found in Mortal Creatures, a collection of stories about grief and magic.