Page 45 of Bewitched & Bewildered
Now that the question is out there, we go silent.
I don’t know about my sisters, but I spend our silent dinner questioning everything about our business.
It’s more than the business. I couldn’t say it to Ozan or my sisters, but it is. I’ve always known I’m not as good as my mother. She was a better witch, a better parent, and a better person. She’s not here, and I’m supposed to step up and be like her, but…
I can’t. I’m still not at that point in my life, and I may never be. There are days when I can accept it, but my expectations are crushing me this week.
Chapter 11
Juniper
As much asI want to hide from the world, I must return to the shop. None of my sisters have answers or ideas. I know the problem now, but that only makes it more frustrating.
At least the shop isn’t completely dead today. It’s almost time to close, and a longtime patron, Emily, is ambling around.
“You make these potions yourself?” she asks.
“I do.”
“And your mom taught you that?”
“Of course.” My throat tightens, but I force on a smile. “She taught me everything I know.”
“She was a good witch.”
“Oh, I know.”
“Do you have anything to help with my cat’s appetite?”
“Your cat…” I blink. “Have you tried a vet?”
She grunts. “They said there was nothing wrong with her.”
I hum, looking over the potions in the case. “I can make you a custom potion. How are herenergy levels?”
“Not the best.”
“Addressing that may help with the appetite.” I fix her with a stern look. “Make sure you keep taking her to the vet. Mundane comes before magic.”
She chuckles. “Can’t believe little Juni is lecturingmeabout magical practices…”
Internally, I wince. This is precisely what Ozan was talking about. People in town don’t take me seriously. At best, they compare me to my mom. At worst… they infantilize me.
“You’d better believe it.” My smile strains. “Would you like the custom potion? It will take a few days.”
Her nails tap against the table. “I’ll take it!”
Things are looking up. The business isn’t a complete failure.
It’s still not enough. That’s the problem. Something is missing. The others don’t feel it, but I do. There’s a hole in my chest, and I don’t know how to fill it.
Is there something wrong with the business, or is itme?
The shop isn’t making me happy, but I can’t stop trying. All I do is try. I stay an hour after closing to work on the commissioned potion.
By the time I brave the autumn chill, I’m weary. My jacket will keep me warm, but I still shudder as I stroll down the dark, empty streets. Walking to work seemed like a good idea in the bright morning light, but now I yearn for bed.
There are only a few things that could make my walk worse, and thing number one is right in front of me.
