Page 104 of Bewitched & Bewildered
“Just a blessing. Something to bring us both happiness.”
He leans back on the couch and rests his hot chocolate on his knee. “You know what? I think I’m already there.”
“I think… I’m getting closer, but I still don’t know where to find it.”
“Do you want to talk about it? I can help.”
I shake my head. “I’m not ready to talk about what I’m doing next. I’m still mourning…”
“Your mom?”
“That,” I say, “and the dream that I could live up to her.”
He squeezes my shoulder. “You need to stop comparing yourself to her, baby. She wouldn’t want that.”
“I know…” My soft voice breaks. “I’m trying.”
Seeing myself as my own person is an adventure thatwill take baby steps, but I’ll get there. I feel closer to it each day.
“What happened to your mom?”
His words make me freeze. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, some rumors are going around town, but…”
“What kind of rumors?” My eyes sharpen.
What happened to my mother was a tragedy, and we tried to keep the details in the family.
He shifts closer. “They’re saying a demon attacked her.”
My jaw tightens. “Well… they’re right?”
He shakes his head. “What do you mean?”
“Why act so surprised? Apparently, everyone already knows.”
“I was hoping the rumors weren’t true. You know how the folks around town are…”
“Nosy gossips,” I mutter, setting down my hot chocolate.
Today has been a disaster, and now, on top of it all, I’m havingthisconversation.
Ozan watches me quietly, waiting for me to say something more.
“It’s true. It happened at the shop.” I clear my throat, trying to collect myself. “I was the one who found her.”
“Juniper…”
“If I had been a few minutes earlier…” My face crumbles. “I could have done something to save her.”
“No.” He sighs softly. “You don’t know that. You could have been hurt, too. Your mom wouldn’t want that.”
“I guess…”
“Why did they attack your mother? I don’t understand whyanyonewould want to hurt her.”
“Neither do I.” A tear fallsdown my cheek.
