The Talisman

“You get across and you’re gonna find a place—another Alhambra. You got to go in that place. It’s a scary place, a bad place. But you got to go in.”

“Why do I have to go there, if it’s so bad?”

“Because,” Speedy said, “that’s where the Talisman is.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“You will,” Speedy said. He took Jack’s hand. The two of them stood face-to-face, old black man and young white boy.

“The Talisman be given unto your hand, Travellin Jack. Not too big, not too small, she look just like a crystal ball, Travellin Jack, ole Travelin Jack. Here’s your burden, here’s your cross: Drop her Jack, and all be lost. . . .”

Speedy laughed and keyed the ignition. He backed up, turned around, and then the truck was rattling back toward Arcadia Funworld.

Jack stood by the curb, watching it go.

He had never felt so alone in his life. . . .