The Elementals

by Michael McDowell

“Child,” said Odessa. She stood out of the swing and turned her back on Luker and Dauphin, who were getting out of the car a dozen yards away. Odessa loomed before India, blocking sight of her father and uncle. “If anything happens at Beldame,” said Odessa, looking down at India sternly, “I want you to do something . . .” “What?” said India, craning around to catch sight of her father. Odessa’s tone and her suggestion that something else might happen made her fearful. “If anything happens,” Odessa said in a low voice, “eat my eyes . . .” “What?” demanded India in a hissing whisper. Her father and Dauphin were coming nearer. She longed for their protection. Odessa stepped closer to India, pressing her hands behind her to signal the two men to keep back. “What does that mean?” cried India desperately. “What do you—” “If anything happens,” Odessa repeated slowly, nodding her head with terrible significance, “eat my eyes . . .”