For the first time, Takoda was inside her home. They had talked briefly about their favorite literary genres the night before and she had invited him to come inside and check out her collection of books the next time he visited. He was more than willing and enthusiastically agreed. When he arrived that night he was jittery with excitement, she swore she could feel him vibrating as he walked past her and into her home.

She observed him closely as he explored her house, ...