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As I passed a display of greeting cards and postcards with dried flowers on them, an idea bloomed in my head.

What if I created greeting cards from my nature pictures? I had a ton of images of mushrooms, ferns, and other plants that would make exceptional greeting cards and postcards. A thrill rushed through me as the idea expanded into a full concept in my head. This could be a thriving side business for me. I could use all those images I’d taken over the years. They would serve a purpose instead of hiding in a file on my computer. They’d get to see the world like Chococat.

“The world is filled with possibilities, right Chococat?” I tapped its head.

“I see you’ve found some things already.” Morena appeared beside me, smiling at the books in my hand. “Excellent choice. That book just released, and it’s been selling like hotcakes.”

“There’s definitely magic in it.”

“I don’t carry a lot of journals, but when I saw a copy, I knew it would resonate with many people.”

“That’s why I’m giving it to my friends. We all have stuff to heal. I love everything in this store. Maybe you can help me find something for my mom.” I gave her a brief description of my mom’s Hepatitis A symptoms and the extreme fatigue that prevented her from enjoying life.

Morena went to the herbal counter and opened a bag. Then she walked up to a wall of compartments and picked out herbs from various containers, weighed them, and placed them in the bag.

“This is a soothing drink with ginger, cloves, dandelion, a bit of ginseng, and magnolia bark. It helps rebalance her immune system. This won’t interfere with any of her current meds. Here are the directions for the brew.” She added the note.

Morena packed three bags and tied them up with a nice ribbon, placing them aside on the counter. I put the books next to them, freeing my hands to continue shopping.

“Let me know how she likes it,” Morena smiled. “Is there something else you need help with?”

“Yes, please. A good luck charm. I’ve been experiencing bad luck recently, so I’d like to clear that energy and protect myself better.”

“Come right this way.” She showed me a display of interesting amulets. My eyes went to a dish with floral amulets made of woven willow branches. They were small enough to fit into my purse. I could even hang one on the rearview mirror.

“These are gorgeous.” I choose two circular designs, one for me and my mom. The diamond-shaped design was for Forrest.

“A local artist and shaman made these exclusively for this store.”

“He must love your shop.”

“I helped him lower his cholesterol and blood pressure, so he’s now a happy and healthy man.”

I brought the items to the front desk and saw that more customers had entered, keeping Cara busy.

Morena placed the items in the shopping bags for me. “You don’t owe me anything. It’s my gift to you.”

“What?” I blinked at the unexpected gesture. “Of course, I do. You’re running a business. Please let me pay.”

“This isn’t just a business to make money. It’s just as much a business to help people heal.”

I didn’t know what to say as I stared at the shopping bag. I wasn’t just getting one thing from the store—I bought a lot of stuff.

“Also, it’s my gratitude for your help with the dropped groceries. Some people would have just ignored me. I appreciate your kindness.”

“It was really nothing. Just common sense and human decency, you know?”

She sighed. “You’d be surprised how many people lack those things. I was glad no one took the opportunity to rob me. With all the violence lately, it’s always good to meet genuinely nice people.”

I decided right then and there that if I had known my grandmother, I hoped she would’ve been someone like Morena. My grandmother had died before I was born.

A thought sparked in me. “Thank you, but I want to do something nice for you too. I have this idea for some greeting cards and postcards. I can print out a small supply and send them to you to sell at your store. They’re my gift to you. You keep the profits. If they sell well, would you consider carrying them in your shop?”

I explained my concepts, and her face beamed.

“Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow night and discuss this idea? My little family would be there. They’d love to hear it. It’s a yes for me.”

I checked the calendar on my phone and didn’t see anything planned for the next evening. Olivia and I were supposed to start a new job tomorrow, but I should be done before dinner.