Karter pulled the ladder over, making his way to the top row.

“Mom, can you get me the mortar and pestle?”

She massaged her temples. “Baby, I don’t think this is the right time to make a potion or whatever it is you’re about to do.”

“Please?” I asked.

She begrudgingly slid the stone mortar and pestle set over to me, and Karter handed me the jar of dried arnica. I double-checked the instructions in the book, then took out a handful and crushed it into a fine powder, added some olive oil, and stirred until it became a thick paste. I slathered the mixture on my ankle and covered it in plastic wrap. The relief was immediate.

Mo came over to me. “I don’t know what kind of witchcraft you’re doing, but it’s about to save me some money on healthcare, so I’m with it. You need something, you let me know. One of them pots, those big pots that witches use?”

Marie bit back a smile.

“A cauldron?” Mom prompted.

“Yeah,” Mo said, smiling. “A cauldron, a pointy hat, a broom, some green face paint, whatever you need.”

“I should get home,” said Karter.

“Thanks for helping me get back,” I said.

“I didn’t really help, but I’m glad you’re okay,” he said. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

He squeezed my hand, gave Marie a quick nod, then disappeared down the hall.

Marie turned to me. “I’m gonna head out, too.” She gently gripped her arm where I’d seen those streaks of black. Poison was working its way through her body, but she’d said not to worry. I didn’t think I was going to be able to do that.

She leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, letting her lips linger for half a second longer than they needed to. She turned and walked to the door. “Mamas Greene, it was good seeing you both.”

Mo grinned. “You come back any time you want. I’ll make waffles.”

“No, the hell you won’t,” said Mom. She tucked Marie’s arm under hers and steered her out into the hallway. “I’d never let her do that to you, baby. Don’t you worry.”

Mo helped me off the counter.

“I think I’m gonna go to bed,” I said.

“Let me help you upstairs,” Mo said.

“No, I’m good. I got it. Love you.”

“Love you more,” she said.

I shuffled out into the hallway and made my way upstairs as Mo joined Mom in the front room. I crawled into bed and pulled the covers up to my neck.