The Ties That Bind: Portrait Of An American Family

"Don't do that!" I blurt out, my voice sharper than I intended.

"Sorry," he says, stepping closer, his voice low and almost hypnotic. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"When you sneak up on people, you're bound to," I snap, trying to hide my nervousness. He's strange, and I don't like strange.

He smiles-a slow, eerie smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "What's your name?"

I hesitate. "Cece."

"I'm Marilyn."