Page 73 of Witch and Tell

From her seat behind Wanda, Ruth clapped. “Brava!”

“To that end, I propose the library host a monthly discussion forum where people can present their views and answer questions. We can debate not just cats and birds, but all sorts of issues.”

This was perfect. I stood. “Thank you, Wanda. What an excellent idea. If people sign up ahead of time, and we might even be able to find experts to come and speak. We could offer modest honorariums.”

People in the crowd nodded here and there. “Seems reasonable to me,” Duke said.

“I’d go for that,” Mrs. Tohler added. “I’ve already been making notes.”

“In the meantime….” Wanda didn’t seem to be able to finish.

“Yes?” I said.

“In the meantime, the cat books remain,” she said quickly, and sat down.

When the meeting broke up, a new mood had descended on the library. I stood on the library’s porch to wave goodbye to Wilfredians walking down the hill toward home.

Parting the crowds, Lise’s Kia slowly approached. I crossed the gravel drive to meet her. We’d spent hours together over the past few days, walking in the woods and talking about magic. I felt a kinship with her, and I couldn’t help but remember Beata’s words. Were we cousins—or even sisters? I’d questioned my mother, but her mind was curiously blank. I’d follow up.

Lise stepped from her car and hugged me. The faint scent of dark summer flowers clung to her, likely another vintage perfume she’d rescued from a thrift shop or estate sale. “I couldn’t leave Wilfred without saying goodbye.”

“It’s been great to get to know you,” I said.

That was an understatement. In the past week, everything had changed, and Lise had been a part of it. I looked at her, so familiar yet so different, like catching a glimpse in a mirror of a more stylish yet more bohemian version of myself.

“We’ll see each other again,” Lise said. “Astoria isn’t far.”

“We’ll definitely see each other again,” I said. “I guarantee it.”