Elatsoe

Ellie finds herself immersed in the underworld, surrounded by every dead sea creature that has ever lived on earth. The experience is frightful and jarring but also beautiful and awe-inspiring. She clings to Kirby and realizes he is more solid: she can even feel his fur. She thinks about the love of her family and “the warmth of [her father’s] hug” and “the sweetness of fresh air and sunlight” (254). Just as quickly as the ancient ocean appeared, the scene fades, and she is again standing in the park. When Ellie returns to Trevor’s house, she tells her mother about what happened. Vivian is deeply concerned and asks Ellie not to raise any more ghosts until they can speak to an elder about this because humans are not supposed to be able to journey to the underworld. After all, “It’s easy to get lost in the underworld, and ghosts will try to trick [her]” (258). Reluctantly, Ellie agrees, on the condition that she can still summon Kirby if she needs his help.

Jay and Ellie meet in McAllen for lunch before heading to investigate the library in Willowbee. Ellie tells Jay that her full name is Elatsoe, which means “hummingbird” in Lipan, and she shares the same name with her ancestor, Six-Great.