"Can you tell me the origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival?" I ask Sifu Sabrina, half-swallowed by a tub chair in her living room. 

Outside, the crescent of a moon is peeping at us through the glass door of the balcony. 

"Sure." Sifu Sabrina leans back in her chair and drags both hands through her long tresses.  "Before I commence, let me give a warning: once you start praying at the roadside outside your house, you cannot stop the prayer next year as the hungry ghosts will be waiting. Last year, there was a much-talked-about incident in KL. An old couple had just prayed at the roadside. As they were watching the burning of joss paper and Hell Bank Notes, a spirit possessed the old crone.  'Thank you for your generosity,' she uttered to her husband in a strange voice. The oldster almost fainted."

"Holy cow!" My voice brims with shock and humour.       

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHXUia8g9z0

"Any taboos during the Hungry Ghost month?" I ask.

Sifu Sabrina rests her hands on the arms of her chair. "Don't hang clothes outdoors to dry at night; don't look back if someone calls your name at night; don't shave your legs; don't whistle and also don't take photos at night." 

I point to a spot behind her, eyes widening. "Hey! What's that shadow behind you?"

"Eeek!" Sifu Sabrina jumps from her chair, turns and looks. Nothing. "You SOB! You scared me!"

My mischief bubbles up in a chuckle.

/end