I tell her that I’m an early bird, the only item of clothing I ever loved was a pair of red Converse sneakers that were stolen out of my locker during ninth-grade gym class, and I’ve never had a pet, but I always thought it would be cool to go to an animal shelter and find a big dog who needed a home.
I find out she wants a tattoo, a tiny airplane leaving a heart-shaped trail of jet fumes in its wake. I somehow end up telling her about my and my mom’s favorite landlord, a woman who kept ducks and geese in her yard and would fill up kiddie pools for them to lounge in on hot days.
By the time we stop for dinner at a hot dog walk-up counter, my feet are absolutely demolished, but I feel the best I have in ages. My limbs are relaxed and loose, my face aching from all the smiling. Salem is interesting, but I have the feeling we could tour the waiting room of a dentist’s office and still have an amazing time. I don’t ever want this day to end.
We decide on a joint alibi and I send a text to Emma. We’re going to a movie at Cinema Salem. Should be out around ten
Emma texts me back. Enjoy! Zoe wants me to tell you that tomorrow is opening night, so if you don’t come home I’ll know why ;)
Even texting Emma feels fine today.
“Okay?” Willow asks.
“Okay.” Her hand is swinging by her side, and before I realize what I’m doing, I reach out and take it.
She looks up at me in surprise, then laces her fingers through mine, and we head for the house.
I don’t have many days in my life that I’d like to repeat, but I could live in this one forever.
SPELL FOR LOST THINGS
By Violet, Marigold, and Poppy Bell
Items needed:
Paper and pen
Chime candle, blue or black, with candlestick
Clay or porcelain bowl
Dried thyme
Chalk for drawing circle
Instructions:
Spell best performed during full moon with a partner.
Sit in silence to clear mind, and then draw circle around area for casting spell.
Light candle, and by its light, write down description of every lost thing you can think of. The more lost items you add to list, the more powerful the spell will be.
Read papers aloud, then tear into strips and light them on fire in the bowl.
As the paper burns, recite the following three times:
What was lost, now is found.
Bring it to me, safe and sound.
As I will it, so mote it be.
When only ashes are left, sprinkle sage over the candlestick as an offering and then scatter ashes on earth. Allow candle to burn out on its own.
