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“No Proe, Miles”

“Who else could I possibly be?”

“That’s the spirit, old chap,” I say, adopting a British accent as I wink He pinches his lips together, but the huaze softens his sternness I finish my tea because to hi into this for me”

“I res the cup to his lips

“Wait My gut tellsto see Mark my words, this is too weird to be a one-off” I pat his knee “Thanks for the cuppa” I set down uilt at not taking the dishware to the sink I’ve had enough of being berated by ood money for servants to take care of I s me in the opposite direction

Retracing rant white blosso water in the pond soothe le rass and earth beneath me Grounded, I inhale the fresh air and exhale slowly

This bricked-in area is a slice of paradise A cal space to combat the chaos that exists outside the four walls Fro in the pond with itsthe water line, it’s everything I could want in an outside e that it was built by Cristobal using the s of senti my head back, I admire the moon Full and luminous, it calls to me

There’s power to be gained on a night like this My core temperature rises and my skin itches I feel feverish A low, inaudible huh the soles ofmyself up to what the universe has to tell me Warded, and spelled, this place is my sanctuary

I sink onto the grass beside the pond, crossme down into smooth black stones Mentally, I chuck theo so easily I shed the worries like a snake slips an ill-fitting skin Clearing ain true clarity for the first period in days

With the shroud of uncertainty, stress, and fear lifted, I’ht caresses th and cal up the rays like a beach bunny settling in to worship the sun Thetranquility is a blessing A sudden wind ruffles my newly dyed pink tresses The brisk breeze is an anoy weather I sit up

Nothing that means harm may enter this space That doesn’t mean a curious spirit can’t A prickly sensation climbs its way up my spine and down raceful back and forthonanother presence at play Hair falls on my face I tuck the fuchsia strands behind my ears and remain still

A gentle touch on ht The air sparkles An iet the impression of a woman in a creae at the botto solidifies Delicate beading and e the bodice and waistline create a butterfly and floral pattern

A headband of white daisies around her forehead places her firmly in the 1930s With her almond-shaped dark eyes, cara her slender, oval-shaped face, she’s familiar I search my memory for her identity as she offers a sweet smile Gentle waves of affection, peace, and kinship wash over me

“Alida Esçhete” This is Méer sister I remember her from old photos in the house

/>The spectral nods and waves her hand toward her, signaling me over I approach cautiously She reaches out her hand Energy flows through es spin aroundto stop the polarizing effect throwing me off kilter