Page 8 of The Teddy Bear's Prize

“I’m completely losing it,” she casts a glance over her shoulder, keeping her back to me as she gets changed for work, “Do you think it’s time I finally got a cat? I think it’d be healthier than talking to an inanimateobject.”

If you wish to get a cat, then we shall find you one as soon as I can free of this spell.

She stares at me for a few moments as though she’s trying to decide something, then carries me to her office.

It’s the same shade of gray as the rest of the house. She has her desk set up against the wall closest to the door with two monitors, while a row of white bookshelves line the opposite side of the room. Instead of being lined with books, they’re set up in smaller stacks with small potted plants to fill the gaps.

Mia sets me on the black leather love seat under the office’s singular window, next to a large blanket printed to resemble a Ouija board and a pillow shaped like a planchette, giving me the usual unobstructed view of her workspace.

The more I learn about her, I can tell that she has carefully curated this room to make herself look palatable, stripping away pieces of her unique personality that are often misunderstood. Except for the collection of figurines on her desk. They are her own minor act of rebellion, much like the fact she’s still wearing her sleep shorts from the night before with her business casual top.

She leans over the desk, fingers dancing across the keyboard before grabbing hold of the mouse, and clicking a few times. I can’t see what she’s doing from my vantage point, but once satisfied, she walks out of the room and returns with a steaming cup of coffee.

Mia slides into her computer chair and puts in her earbuds.

“Don’t worry,” she says, moving the mouse, “I’m in here early. Yeah, I’m not really sure what they’re asking for. The original mock up is completely different. It’ll be a miracle if we can get everything done before the feature launch.”

I watch as she smiles brightly at her colleague’s reply, her fingers back on the keys. It feels good to see her so happy and confident, not withered like she was around Jeff.

She continues to work throughout the day, sneaking glances at me every once in a while. I note everything about her, like when she switches from coffee to hot tea in the afternoon and the type of music filtering through her headphones when she’s not listening in on a meeting. How she works alone for long stretches and there have been days where she doesn’t speak to a soul, except for me. Most days, she works through lunch or eats at her desk while watching a video on her second monitor.

When her day is over, she removes her earbuds and swivels in her chair to face me. There is a new familiarity in her gaze that takes me by surprise.

Mia? Say that you can hear me, little doe.

“Would it be too much if I ordered Chinese food for dinner?” she asks.

Mia watches me for a second, waiting, then with a blink the spell shatters, and she’s back to looking straight through me. Shaking her head, she unplugs her phone from the charger on her desk and taps on the screen, holding it up to her ear.

“Hi, yes, I’d like to place an order. Delivery,” She gets up and walks out of the room.

That felt so real. She was so close. I was almost sure she could sense me trapped in this vessel.

I press against these miserable confines, testing the limits of my powers and beckoning my shadows. Slowly, the tendrils twist up from the floor, snaking against the walls until a shadowy veil covers the room. The well of power is deeper than before, but still not enough for me to separate myself from this binding spell.

“They said it’ll be thirty minut—” Mia’s eyes go wide, “What the hell?!”

Her hand reaches for my shadows, fingertips grazing the edge. The sensation is overwhelming.

I shudder at her touch, releasing my magic in a panic. The sheer force shatters the lightbulb overhead, leaving us in darkness. I taste fear on my tongue, thick and sweet, as she stands there frozen.

No, I have gone too far. Now she will never trust me. I’ll be thrown out and remain trapped in this vessel for an eternity.

Mia rushes across the room, scooping me into her arms, and ushers me into the hall, holding me tight against her chest before closing the door behind her. Her fear gives way to another emotion, comfort.

“Must be the wiring,” she says against my neck, “I’ll have to call the landlord in the morning.”

The wiring? That means she didn’t recognize my magic, maybe I have been mistaken. Mia might not be a witch after all, though her soul tells a different story.

Still, instead of running, her first instinct was to grab me, to save me, or at the very least, save this vessel. Her warmth seeps through me, and I feel the physical sensation for the first time since I have been stuck here in the mortal realm.

SIX

Mia

The power surgeor whatever the hell happened in the office earlier still has me a little shaken up. I’ve been in there once, but only to make sure my computer isn't fried. I hope whatever is wrong will not interfere with the launch of the new site this Sunday.

“The house was built in the 80s, so I’m sure it was just the wiring or something. It's probably in need of repairs. I know a couple down the street had to get rid of their popcorn ceiling after finding traces of asbestos.” I lean forward and brush the second coat of black polish over my toenails.

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