<br/>The boots hopped backward as the teenager approached, keeping a few feet of space between themselves and her.  As Jude stared at them, she began to get the impression that they were, somehow, staring back.  They didn't make any sound at all, but simply scuffed slightly on the floor.  They shuffled their feet, so to speak.<br/><br/>Then, one or the other of them appeared to make a decision.  Swivelling on its heel, it hopped back behind the couch and began padding back toward the ancient grandfather clock.  The other followed suit, leaping behind its twin.  They lurched in an alternating<em>hop-rest-hop-rest</em>motion that, when taken together, gave the effect of someone walking.<br/><br/>The wooden case door to the clock was open.  The boots stopped when they reached the clock.   For a moment, they sat there, side by side; then, at the same time, they leapt up, disappearing into the darkness within the clock's mechanical innards.<br/><br/>The door remained open, beckoning.  Through the shadows of the room, Jude could see that she could squeeze into the opening after them, if she wanted to.<br/>