Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson for June 01, 2023

Huh. And just how, Madeleine, do you know THAT?

But yes, Alice, something happened to the previous owner. They grew.

C’est très chic, Alice. You look like an art film star. “Zazie dans le métro”?

One time I had $11. One time I was a size five.

That or they at least used some holy water on it first before selling it.

I thought Alice would ask if the previous owner had die.

Whoa, see if you can duplicate that deep, guttural voice…

You have to go to Fiendish Frocks R Us if you want to get a truly possessed party dress.

All the clothes at church sales are exorcise clothes.

I dunno. If I had a demon-haunted dress, a church sale is probably exactly where I’d go to get rid of it. Who would expect it?

Is it haunted by the Blind Purple People Eater!

Mom, you should know better by now not to share too many details.

Now there is a demon in the purple party dress.

Petey’s revenge.

Now then, finish your pea soup lunch and you can go.

I’m not going to waste time looking it up, but I seem to remember that a few years ago one of the more prominent TV preachers decrying demon-infested clothing.

No, they only sell demon haunted size six purple party dresses at the church sale.

Never tell a child you bought their clothes used.

TMI, Mom. TMI.

I’m not so sure about that, Madeline. It may just have summoned you to buy it for a certain little demon; birds of a feather and all that…

Alice, just wait until you see what is in that little purse! And there is no doubt plenty of room for mulch, to throw at any unsatisfactory musical recitation.

Petey never misses an opportunity to plant a seed in the fertile soil of his little sis’. I wonder if Petey realizes his oboe is haunted? I mean, it sure sounds that way!

Doesn’t she looks so cute in that outfit?

Don’t be ridiculous! A red and/or black dress, maybe; but not a purple dress!!!

Just to be on the sure side, Madeline, and to keep Petey steady for his recital, I recommend you sprinkle the Purple Pary Dress with holy water and say a blessing over it (the hat, too). Can’t be too careful about demon-haunted dresses, even when bought at a church sale!