Page 150 of Magical Melee

I wrapped my hands around the warm teacup, trying to put my thoughts into words. “I guess… it made me think about my own family. About how I’ve never really felt like I fit the mold they had for me.”

She nodded, her expression understanding. “Family expectations can be a heavy weight, especially when you feel like you’re falling short. What about your family’s expectations weigh on you?”

Funny how she turned this around.

I took a sip of tea, letting the warmth steady me. “My mom always pushed me to be practical, to settle down, to follow a path she thought was best. And for a while, I did. But now, everything’s changed, and I’m not sure where I fit anymore.”

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes kind. “Sometimes, breaking away from what others expect of us is the bravest thing we can do. But it’s not easy, especially when you’re still figuring out who you are.”

Her words resonated deeply, and I felt a knot of tension in my chest begin to loosen. Here I was in my middle forties, trying to figure out who I was. Last year, I thought I knew.

“How did you deal with it?” I asked. “The pressure, the expectations?”

She smiled softly. “By realizing that my worth wasn’t tied to anyone else’s vision of who I should be. I found joy in small things, like knitting, and let that guide me to a life that felt right for me.”

I glanced around the shop, taking in the vibrant yarns, the laughter of the customers, the peaceful atmosphere. It was clear she’d created something special here—a space where people could find comfort and creativity.

“Do you ever feel like you made the wrong choice?” I asked quietly.

She considered this for a moment before shaking her head. “No. The path wasn’t always clear, but it was mine. And that made all the difference.”

I nodded, her words settling over me like the snow outside.

Maybe I didn’t have all the answers yet.

Maybe I never would.

But I could find my way, one step at a time.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice sincere.

She smiled, reaching out to pat my hand. “You’re stronger than you think, Maeve. And you’re not alone.”

We finished our tea, and I hopped up. “I need to get back to the store.”

“Understood.” She smiled as I made my way outside.

The snow continued to fall gently as I walked back to the tea shop, the weight in my chest a little lighter. I still didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time in a while, I felt like I was moving in the right direction.

The conversation lingered in my mind as I made my way back. Her words about carving out a path of my own had resonated deeply, but the truth was, I still felt like I was fumbling in the dark.

Frank would be waiting for me by the fireplace, probably curled up in his usual spot, blissfully unaware of the existential crises swirling in my head. The thought made me smile, and I quickened my pace, eager to bask in the tea shop’s warmth.

As I looked up, I caught a glimpse of someone familiar—a flash of auburn hair and a green coat. My heart leaped.

Skye?

Without thinking, I dashed toward the figure.

She was walking briskly down the sidewalk, her steps purposeful, but she hadn’t noticed me.

“Skye!” I called, my voice echoing in the quiet street.

The woman didn’t turn around.

Instead, she picked up her pace, slipping down a narrow alley between two buildings.

“Wait!” I shouted, adrenaline kicking in.