Whatever was punishing me for my sin was determined that I turn back before reaching 1467 Claremont.
"Clrmnt," the driver announced, sending the doors hissing open and the bus cranking to a stop.
I walked through the gibbering monsters, and passing the driver's seat, I heard my voice say, "Don't splatter me by starting up too soon, fat gut."
The driver looked at me with round eyes. "No, sir, I won't."
The monsters gave it up and stopped existing.
The bus didn't start until I was halfway up the block of sandine moderns and desk-size patios.
Number 1423 was different from the other houses. It was on fire.
One of the most beautiful women I've ever seen came running up to me. What black hair, what red lips, what sparkling eyes she had when I finally got up that far! "Sir," she said, "my baby brother is in there. I'd be so grateful—"
I grabbed for her. My hand went right on through. I didn't try grabbing her again. This time, I had a feeling I would feel her. I didn't want to be that bad off.