Most witches nowadays didn’t usually go out of their way to make or use medicines from herbs even for themselves, but these herb-based medicines were able to enhance the effects of medicine provided by doctors when used in tandem. That being said, there were people who found medicine enhanced with magic a bit off-putting, so most doctors strayed away from prescribing it. Dr. Hendy was one of the few good doctors who still used a combination of both medicines. He knew the medicinal value of witch medicine.
Dr. Hendy cocked his head slightly in confusion and asked his daughter, “So why did you bring little Miss Meg here?”
Anna happily hopped up as she answered his question.
“Miss Meg is gonna give Mummy flowers!”
“Flowers?”
“Anna came to visit Lady Faust to ask for flowers for her mother’s grave to help her sleep better.”
I whispered this into the doctor’s ear, and he whispered back, “Is that right?” His expression was gentle and also sad as he said this.
“Do you happen to know what kind of flowers your wife liked?”
“Flowers, huh…? She used to decorate the house with them, but I’m not sure what kind she liked.”
“Hrm… I thought maybe you could give us a hint.”
Dr. Hendy realized my bewilderment, and then he clapped his hands together and said, “Oh, right. We do have some photo albums. Perhaps they will offer a clue. You can find them in the study.”
“I’ll go check!”
“Whoa, wait up, Anna. I’ll go with you…”
The quick footsteps of Anna’s little feet could be heard pitter-pattering out of the room before I could even react. My eyes met with the doctor’s, and we shared a smile.
“Your daughter’s a little ball of energy.”
“She really is. My wife was bedridden due to her sickness, but her daughter has grown up quite healthy. Her mum must be happy in heaven.”
“Did she pass away recently?”
“It hasn’t even been a week yet… I’m sorry, I intended on going to visit Lady Faust about it, but we ended up having the funeral with just our immediate families.”
“It’s fine, really. I’m sure things have been tough for you.”
The air in the room grew solemn. I never liked this feeling.
“I’m sorry for intruding on you during work like this, by the way.”
“Oh, no. It’s fine, really. I just finished my morning examinations. You’re welcome to join me for a cup of tea, if you wish.”
“I’d love to.”
I followed Dr. Hendy to the kitchen. On our way there, I caught a glimpse of his bathroom. There were still three toothbrushes on the sink. One child-sized and two for adults. I recognized the same pattern when we entered the kitchen, with mugs and plates all in sets of three. Signs of Anna’s mother were still all over the house.
Oh. Time has stopped for this house.
“I still haven’t had time to clean up yet. There’s a lot that’s been left as is.”
Dr. Hendy said this with a bit of a wry smile as he heated up the teakettle.
“I know I should probably start cleaning up her things.”
He seemed so drained, like he was slowly fading away where he stood. Even though we were having a chat, it felt more like he was talking to himself than me.
“Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No, I wouldn’t want to bother a guest. Please make yourself comfortable.”
If that was what the owner of the house wanted, I could only oblige. I sat down on his sofa and gave the room a quick scan. The first thing I noticed was a shelf full of bottled-up herbs. It was quite rare to see someone collect medicinal herbs in such a way.
“The herbs catch your eye?”
“I was just surprised at how many you have… A lot of those are pretty rare.”
“Lady Faust used to complain about how difficult some herbs are to acquire. I had a friend who’s knowledgeable about medicinal herbs start sending these to me.”
“So that’s why you sometimes bring us herbs to use.”
It must’ve taken a lot of effort to learn about and collect such medicinal herbs. Hats off to you, doctor.
“Are those herbs for medicinal use as well?”
There was a second shelf with a few bottles of different herbs on it. The bottles were filled with chopped-up dried leaves and stems.
“Oh, those were herbs my wife used to collect. I’m not sure what she intended to use them for…”
Dr. Hendy opened a cabinet as he said this and moved things around.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, I’m just looking for the tea. I haven’t had a chance to drink any ever since my wife passed.”
“You should get on top of that. I’ll have you know that most men know their way around the house these days.”
“Ha-ha, that hurts to hear.”
“I think this may be what you’re looking for.”
I got up from the sofa and picked up one of the bottles full of herbs.
“Are you sure that’s tea?”
“Sure, it’s herbal tea. I’m pretty sure that’s what these were meant for. There are lots of benefits to drinking it, you know, and it tastes great, too. I know my tea well, so you can leave it to me.”
I examined the shelf full of herbs. One in particular caught my eye. I picked it up and held it in my hand.
“Oh wow…”
Well, this is a surprise, I thought to myself. It was a rare herb. I figured we may as well try it, seeing as it was there and all.
I spread out a paper towel on the table and picked out a mix of herbs to place onto it. Then I concentrated on my inner flow of magic before holding my hand over the mixture and chanting a twelve-part incantation.
“Grass and trees—heed my commands—show us—your inner power.
I ask you—come to us—in your truest form—as sustenance.
A part of us you shall become—together with us always—and one—we shall be.”
The space around us darkened, and the collection of herbs glowed faintly. It was a magical reaction. Small wisps of smoke rose from the leaves, and the herbs’ aroma filled the room.
“Wowee!”
Evidently, Anna had returned to the room at some point and was watching with wide eyes as I worked my magic.
“Is this magic?”
“It sure is. Pretty neat, eh?”
“Yeah!”
“It really is curious, isn’t it?”