“

‘Did you ever have fun?’

‘Yeah,’ Jody said, laughing. ‘I played funeral home with the kid who lived next door. I made her lie down flat and then I covered her face with baby powder.’ Jody paused. ‘You’re looking at me funny.’

‘You say the most upsetting things and somehow they sound funny. I’m not sure whether you’re joking.’

‘The funnier it gets, the less I’m kidding,’ Jody said dryly.