Wanda Seasongood and the Mostly True Secret by Susan Lurie

Author:Susan Lurie [Lurie, Susan and Harney, Jenn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2020-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

100% Accurate 30% of the Time

“How do you know my name?” Wanda asked, speaking loudly to mask the tremble in her voice. “How did you know we were coming?”

“I know everything. I am the All-Knowing Phyllis,” the woman said, and yanked Wanda inside. Voltaire flew in behind her and landed on a small square table in the center of the room.

“The All-Knowing Phyllis?” Wanda rubbed her arm where the woman had gripped it.

“Yes, I am the All-Knowing Phyllis.”

“So nice to meet you,” Voltaire said. “Do you really know everything?”

“Yes, I do,” the woman confirmed.

“Then let’s begin right away. There’s so much I’ve forgotten. Please tell me all of it.”

“Not that kind of everything.” The woman shook her head. “I just know the future.” Then she pushed Wanda toward one of the two chairs at the table.

“Have a seat.” She slammed the shack door. “You never know who you’ll meet in the Scary Wood. Can’t be too careful.” She slid two bolts across the door, then, for good measure, locked it with a key.

While Wanda sat, the woman tucked the key deep inside her apron pocket, which made Wanda very uncomfortable. She tried to hide her distress by gazing around the room. A shabby couch stood against one wall. An old refrigerator, stove, and sink lined another. Stubs of flickering candles sat on a small table in front of an armchair. A crackling fire warmed the shack.

“Why do you live in the Scary Wood?” Wanda asked. “If you’re worried about what’s out there, I mean.”

“I like the quiet,” Phyllis said. “It’s peaceful here—except for the occasional scream.”

Was that a joke? Wanda wondered. She didn’t think so—Phyllis wasn’t smiling. “Well, if you know everything, what can you tell us?” Wanda asked, trying to hide her fear.

Phyllis took a seat facing Wanda and the bird. “I can see what is to be seen. I can tell what is to be told,” she said. “Usually.”

“Yes. Right. You’re a fortune-teller,” Wanda said. “Where’s your crystal ball?”

“I don’t use a crystal ball. I look into your eyes. Then you look into my eyes. That sort of thing.”

“And that works?” Wanda’s fear of the woman started to fade. She doesn’t seem dangerous at all, Wanda thought. More likely, she’s crazy.

“You don’t believe me?” Phyllis said. “I bet you think I’m crazy.” She leaned forward and stared deeply at Wanda—and Wanda could see that the woman’s black eyes were like mirrors. She saw herself reflected in each of them.

“So thrilling!” Voltaire said. “Wanda, don’t blink. She’s going to tell you your future.”

Phyllis stared hard into Wanda’s eyes.

Wanda stared back.

“Yes, yes, look into my eyes…” Phyllis said, “and I will learn what there is to be learned. I am one hundred percent accurate thirty percent of the time.”

“But that means you—” Wanda started.

“Shush!” Phyllis narrowed her eyes. “Yes, there it is. You are headed for danger.”

“What kind of danger?” Voltaire flapped his wings. “What do you see? What do you see?”

“I see… a cave,” she declared. “You are searching for a cave.

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