I could tell from her expression that my answer was not what she had hoped, but I didn’t elaborate. “I’m sure Sister Mary Elizabeth and Father Michaels will explain it to you soon enough.” Sister Mary Rafaela met me at the door with a concerned look on her face.

Although a few were curious, most were fearful. I was so livid that I didn’t notice most of the glares the other children gave me as I passed them in the hallways. I had been there enough now that I knew where it was without thinking. The look he gave me told me I had overstayed my welcome, so I turned out of his office and headed toward the infirmary. I would like to discuss this further, without the boy.”

“And you,” he addressed Sister Mary Elizabeth, “gather the Sisters. I was surprised he didn’t realize his slip, but the fact that he used my real name calmed me down a bit. Did they really have no concept of what possession entailed? The confession was followed by a brief silence before he added, “But not one I’m willing to accept at this point.” “It is a possibility,” Father Michaels admitted. Sister Mary Elizabeth’s robe flew wildly as she repeatedly pointed in my direction. Now everyone was standing and speaking in elevated voices and Father Michaels’ eyes were finally trained on me. Were these people oblivious? They spouted off about possession like it was something they expected to happen to everyone in their little religion. Besides, I had yet to see a yellow tint to my eyes. Possession required an energumen, and I had already ruled out that option. “I’m not possessed!” I yelled frantically. “It is the name of the spirit in possession of his body. “The children are your responsibility,” Father Michaels said. The venom with which she said my name caught my attention. “What about the boy, the name, the other you discussed with us. Tell me, how could it be possible that what you say is true?” “He was baptized, confirmed, and his communion was less than a week ago. “But he is a child of the devil!” Sister Mary Elizabeth screeched.įather Michaels sighed. I didn’t answer I just stared at his still-closed eyes. “But I’m warning you,” he continued, “I am in no mood for this kind of behavior this week, do you understand?”

Death of the Body by Rick Chiantaretto