Chapter 4: The Rooster’s Secret and Grandma’s Warning

The words tumbled out, earnest and raw. She smiled, her eyes shining. I pressed my forehead to the porch boards, grateful for her kindness. My heart ached.

“Good! Good! Good! Good child!” Mrs. McAllister’s hands trembled as she helped me up.

She pulled me to my feet, patting my back. Her voice quivered with emotion, and she wiped her eyes with the corner of her apron. The rooster clucked again, like it understood. I sniffled.

Then she leaned close and whispered in my ear, “Your sister is dead—next will be you. Eli, remember: if your mom cooks meat for you, never eat it.”

Her breath was warm against my ear, her words sending a shiver down my spine. I stared at her, eyes wide, trying to make sense of what she’d said. She squeezed my hand, her grip fierce and urgent.

I shuddered, staring at her in shock.

I wanted to ask what she meant, to beg her for more answers, but the words wouldn’t come. My heart hammered in my chest, and I felt like I might faint. I could taste fear in my mouth.

I wanted to ask more, but Mrs. McAllister pushed me out the door and told me to hurry home.

She pressed the rooster into my arms, shooing me down the steps. “Go on now, Eli. Hurry back. Don’t look back, no matter what you hear.” Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. I could feel the urgency in her words.

By the time I got back, it was already dark.

The sky was deep blue, the first stars just starting to appear. The house looked smaller in the fading light, the windows glowing softly. I hurried inside, clutching the rooster tight, my heart racing.

Uncle Larry was still there. When he saw me, he struggled to his feet. “Since you’ve come back safe, it means it’s over. This old man is leaving too.”

He gave me a tired smile, patting my shoulder. I just nodded, too worn out to say a word. He gathered his things, moving slow and careful. I watched him, wishing he’d stay.

I didn’t say anything. He left on his own.

The door creaked shut behind him, and I stood alone in the hallway. The house was quiet, the air heavy with secrets. I hugged the rooster to my chest, unsure what to do next. My legs felt like rubber.

“Uncle Larry!” As he stepped over the threshold, I couldn’t help but call out, “Uncle Larry, if… if other blood gets mixed into the rooster’s blood, what happens?”

My voice trembled, barely more than a whisper. He paused, turning to look at me. His eyes were wide, full of fear. I felt exposed, like I’d just confessed a crime.

Hearing that, Uncle Larry spun around, staring at me in horror. “Was there other blood mixed in with the rooster’s blood this afternoon?”

He rushed back inside, grabbing me by the shoulders. His hands shook, and his voice was sharp. I shook my head, heart pounding. I could barely meet his eyes.

I quickly shook my head. “No… I was just asking.”

The lie came easy, but I could tell he didn’t believe me. I looked at the floor, wishing I could disappear. Uncle Larry let out a shaky breath, his grip loosening. I felt my face flush.

He still didn’t seem convinced.

He watched me for a long moment, eyes narrowed. I tried to look innocent, but my hands shook. He finally let go, stepping back, but he kept his eyes on me.

After I promised over and over, he finally relaxed.

I swore up and down, promising nothing had happened. He nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. The relief in his eyes was obvious. I felt a little lighter, but not much.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his trembling arm. “You scared me half to death, kid. If any other blood gets mixed in with the rooster’s blood, it won’t work right at all. You saw what happened to your sister today, didn’t you?”

His words hung in the air, heavy and final. I nodded, swallowing hard. The truth of it settled in my bones, cold and unyielding. I stared at the floor, wishing I could wake up and find it was all just a bad dream.