I heard the wind before I realized we were no longer in the shelter of the hut. With the first shock of the gritty sand hitting me in the face, I covered my nose and mouth again with the makeshift scarf. I grabbed for Oni's hand and found only wisps of dark smokiness as she fluttered near me.

And I was right. We were surrounded by spirits. Some had form and shape, but most were like Oni—billowing and insubstantial.

I hated the way this world looked, like film exposed ...