The doctor sits in the dining room at the table with a hot tea he's made himself.
'Mrs Twittlebug,' he says in a sympathetic tone, standing to shake her hand, and then looks at me. 'Janie, why you've grown up? I don't think I've seen you since you were about twelve,' he says.
'Yes, it's been a while,' I reply softly, keeping my eyes downcast with sadness.
The doctor frowns, 'Please, go be by your grandma's side and take all the time you need with her. I'll remain here, downstairs, to give you privacy.'
'Thank you, Doctor,' my mother says to him.
As my mother and I ascend the creaky wooden staircase, the sound of our footsteps echoes through the old house. The dim light of the hallway casts an ethereal glow.
I can feel my heart pounding as we approach Grammy's bedroom door. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The cobwebs on the ceiling and walls catch my eye, and I watch as a little spider continues to weave its intricate web, its body glinting in the light like a tiny silver jewel.
My mother gives me a reassuring squeeze on the hand, then pushes the door open. Grammy's room is bathed in soft, warm light, and I can see her lying peacefully in bed. Her eyes are closed, and her hands are clasped as if praying. A vibrant, crocheted blanket is covering her over her quilt.
Grammy's hair, a delicate silver-grey shade, is puffed up cutely and endearingly, making her look all the more enchanting. The frilly pillows behind her prop up her head, and Mister Kal, her black cat, snuggles up close to her, purring contentedly. Despite the sombre occasion, there's a sense of peace and comfort in the room that envelops us all.
Suddenly, Grammy's eyes swiftly open, revealing the same sparkly green eyes as mine that glimmer even brighter when we're excited. The twinkle in her eyes dances as her skin wrinkles even more as she forms a widened but weak smile at the sight of us. Her hands unclasp, and they shake as she holds them out.
'Grammy,' I say, bursting into tears and racing to her to embrace me. My head pressed against her bosom as tears drip from my face.
'My sweet little Twittlebug, don't cry,' she says as she pats her hand down my hair.
'I don't want you to go,' I sob.
'I know you don't, but it's my time to move on. I'm of no use in this world anymore, my dear,' Grammy says.
'That's not true, Grammy. I need you,' I tell her.
My mother bursts into tears. I move aside so she can hold Grammy's hand and talk to her. I step back, lean against the wall of the room, and watch as my mother cries and talks about all the fun things she and Grammy did as she grew up and how Grammy is the best mother anyone could have ever asked for.
'Oh, Tiabug, you were the most precious daughter I could have ever asked for. I'm so proud of you,' Grammy tells her.
They both weep and wipe each other's tears.
After a while, my mother turns to me. 'I'm going to talk with the doctor and have tea so that you can have some time alone with Grammy,' she says as her tears drop, landing on the wooden floor.
'Thank you, Mum,' I say quietly and sit beside Grammy.
Mister Kal stretches and rubs his face across Grammy's chin before jumping down and running across the room to jump and sit on the windowsill.
Grammy starts to hum a tune that I recognise. It's the same lullaby she used to sing to me when I was a little girl. I close my eyes and let her soothing voice carry my mind away.
'Janiebug, I want to hear what you've been up to over the last few months since I haven't seen you,' Grammy says.
I look away and frown. 'Actually, Grammy, I want to tell you something I haven't told you before. I tried to talk to Mum about it, but she thought I was crazy and booked an appointment for me to see a psychiatrist. I know Mum meant well by it and was only looking out for me, but she doesn't understand it the way I do. So, maybe, you could give me some advice?'
'Go on, Janiebug. You can tell me,' she says, curious but also sensing my weariness.
'Okay, here goes,' I say and take a deep breath, 'I don't know why, but sometimes when I touch people, I see things. I predict a moment they will have some time that day. It's always something minor, like slipping over, spilling a drink, who will ask them out that day, and it always happens. Everyone here at the academy now thinks I'm a laughing stock and always bullies me. Is there something wrong with me, Grammy? Am I a freak?' I ask and stare into her eyes.
Grammy looks taken aback, her mouth partly agape in surprise, which widens to a frail smile of delight. She weakly takes my hand, clasping it in hers, 'Janiebug, you've been gifted with something incredibly rare. A gift that all of our kind spend lifetimes trying to seek out, rare magic. The sight,' she says. I could hear the speck of proudness in her tone as she continues to try and muster up strength.
'What on earth are you talking about, Grammy?' I ask her with the most confused stare.
Grammy sighs and shakes her head with guilt, 'My dear Janiebug. There's something that I haven't told you either. I had to keep it secret, even from your mother. I kept it a secret to protect you both, but if you have the sight, then you need to know the truth.'
I stare at Grammy, even more confused, 'I don't understand?' I tell her.
'Janiebug, you come from a long line of witches. I am a witch,' she confesses.