Chapter 3

Three

There’s nothing in the world better than the smells of a successful session of baking. At the end of the day, the sweet smells of caramelized sugar mixed with the earthy scents of the mixed nuts, satisfy something deep within my soul.

My magic curls into a ball inside my chest, purring with contentment and joy at having been useful, even if it is from doing something as simple as making the caramelized treats. Though, it’s only a temporary feeling. As the day goes on it will become antsy. Something about the holidays making it as excited as any hyped up child.

Which means more baking needs to be done this evening so I can get some sleep.

Dishes washed and put up on the rack to dry, I begin to gather up the items to make soul cakes while Raiden eyes the cooling tray of nuts from his chair. Every now and then he would hop from one foot to the other in anticipation but thankfully he’s learned to wait after the last time he got impatient. I’ve never seen a bird drop food so fast, giving it the evil eye as if it had the gall to burn him.

Humming a little tune, I hop from the pantry over to the counter and back again. The recipe for the small cakes reciting itself in my mind, like any spell my mother would cast. Something she never understood.

“Sugar and spice will make it nice,” I muttered the words aloud, snagging each item as I went about.

“Add some sour cream if you please.” My magic stretched forward like a lazy cat in my chest. Its ears twitching as it debated if it was needed yet or not.

Opening the fridge, I came to a stop in my list. Frowning at the spot where I keep the unsalted butter. Memories of a late night baking frenzy suddenly come to mind, along with a mental note to myself, to remember to get some more the next time I go to the grocers–we see how well that turned out. Along with it was a reminder to get some plain greek yogurt because of course I had finished that up a few days ago with some fresh berries for breakfast.

“Whelp, it can’t be helped,” I sighed, closing the fridge door, “I’m going to have to go to the grocers.”

Raiden cawed in irritation, glaring at me as if I had planned this all along.

“Why are you so upset? You’re still going to get your nuts,” I scowled, turning around to the cupboard with the dishes and pulling out a small bowl, “I’m the one who has to hope the fates see to it that Danny isn’t at work.”

Scooping up some candied nuts, I place them in the bowl and then walk over to the window. Standing by the sill as I wait for Raiden to come over.

“I don’t have time to wait for you to make up your mind. You can either have these or let some crow come and get them but you’re not staying here while I run to the store.” The last time I did that he ate the entire tray and complained for days. Probably because he had a stomach ache from all the sweets, the little glutton.

His eyes focused on my small bowl in my hand, he watched as I placed it out on the sill. Then I stood back and began to slowly shut the window. “You better hurry,” I sing-songed, the window coming down inch by inch, “I’m pretty sure I saw a crow on the powerline across the street. I know he’ll enjoy the treat.”

Feathers bristling every which way, he jumped off the chair and flew out the window, landing next to the bowl. A claw perched on its rim as he glared at me.

“Don’t you dare knock that bowl off the sill,” I glared right back, having stopped lowering the window down as soon as he jumped, “If it’s not there when I get back there won’t be anymore nuts for you.”

Without another word I closed the window and walked away. Ignoring the light tap tap tap on the glass from the irate bird who is used to having the last word. Or rather the last caw.

Pulling my coat on, I walked over to the door, only to spin back around and walk over to the kitchen. “Better make a list. I only want to go there once.”

Pen and paper dug out of the junk drawer—don’t judge, everyone has one in their house—I spend the next twenty minutes checking every cupboard, the pantry, and the fridge.

Am I making excuses to delay leaving? Why yes I am. Why? Because I hope I get there after Danny’s shift has ended and I won’t have to deal with him.

Finished list in hand, I grab my purse and leave my little one bedroom apartment. Sounds of the lock clicking as the wards turn it echoing down the hallway as I pray to the stars that today is going to be a good day.