Maria clasped her hands behind her back, standing with the posture of someone reciting from textbook or memory. "'Vampires, like all supernatural creatures of human origin, can look and behave in as many ways as humans can. You must not let your guard down, no matter how un-monstrous they seem.'"

She paused.

"Not really, though," she added, in her own words. "I mean, I guess vampires can be like anyone, but I was expecting a little more, you know... black-wearing. More teeth." She mimed fangs with her fingers. "Maybe a cape. I like the flannel better, though."