My eyes widen in surprise, 'What? Really?'
Grammy nods, 'Yes. And there's something else you need to know. My time will come to an end here tonight. When I pass, you must go to the attic and retrieve the family spellbook from the chest. It's yours now.
When I was young, witches had become quite rare. As shown in history books, we were hunted and killed, traditionally by being tied to a stake and set alight. The coven I was part of agreed seventy years ago that to save our children and future generations, we must be the last generation to know we carry the blood of magic through our veins. Because you haven't known, you haven't practised, which would have caused your ability to be suppressed. It's only because you've been gifted with the rare ability of sight that you've had some ability come through. The gift of sight is the only magic that cannot be suppressed. After a while, you will awaken your powers, but you must be careful. You must not reveal it to anyone. If the word were ever to get out that you've unlocked your powers and have the sight others may come for you. So, you must keep yourself safe. So, whatever you say and do, make sure you're clear of any bluebirds.'
I blink a few times in disbelief and excitement, 'I knew it, Grammy, I knew it! I always knew magic was real. Not only in my mind, but I could feel it in my veins. Everyone thought I was crazy. I thought I was crazy, but this entire time I was right!'
'This is serious, Janie,' she warns. 'You must be careful. The sight will become stronger, and you will see things you wish you'd never seen. Just know, Janiebug, that some people's fates can't be changed, no matter how hard you try,' she says.
I become quiet as I take all this in. I never expected Grammy was going to reveal a secret such as this; that we are witches.
Grammy's arm trembles as she raises it to point at her cat, 'Mister kal will need somewhere to live. I'd like you to take him.'
Mister Kal meows, jumps down and races back over to the bed. He pushes his head under Grammy's hand, forcing her to pat him. She manages a weak laugh, 'I'm going to miss you too, Kal,' she tells him. 'Just make sure Janiebug stays out of trouble, and be careful of what spells and potions she learns. As you know, some are more dangerous than others,' she says to him.
As the reality of my newfound identity as a witch sets in, my mind races with possibilities of what I could learn and accomplish. But Grammy's warning brings me back to earth, reminding me of the responsibility that comes with this power.
'Grammy, you mustn't go,' I plead with her, desperation creeping into my voice. 'I want you to teach me how to be a witch. I want to learn under your guidance. I don't think I could do it alone.'
A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. 'You have Rose,' she reminds me.
I turn away from her and walk towards the window, my eyes fixed on the stained glass. 'Rose is my closest and best friend, Grammy, but she doesn't believe in magic,' I tell her, my voice barely above a whisper. 'Nonetheless, it probably would have eventually driven me crazy, not knowing why I see things. Thank you, Grammy, for telling me our family secret.'
Silence fills the room, broken only by the soft meows of Mister Kal. I turn to face Grammy, expecting to see her smile once again. But instead, her eyes are closed, and her hands lie gently open by her sides, with palms up. Her lips are pursed together, forming a small smile that has changed from a subtle pink to a haunting purple-blue.
She had taken her last breath in that moment, and I feel a rush of grief and fear wash over me. But beneath it all is a sense of determination, a desire to honour her memory and protect the legacy of our family's magic.
A sense of anguish washes over me. I walk over to Grammy's bed and tenderly kiss her forehead, knowing this is the last time I will ever see her. I hear a floorboard creak and notice my mother enter the room, tears streaming down her face.
I gently shake my head at her, silently conveying that Grammy is gone. Without a word, I race over to her and wrap my arms tightly around her, feeling her body tremble with sobs. Together, we grieve the loss of Grammy.
Janie
I grab the pull rope that dangles from the ceiling. As I pull the rope, a set of stairs fold out that leads to the attic.
As I climb the stairs to the attic, a sense of magic and wonder fills my senses. The stairs creak beneath my feet, and I feel the weight of history and tradition in every step. As I reach the top, a heavy wooden door awaits me, adorned with mystical symbols and intricate carvings. Mister Kal climbs the steps and meows as he sits by my feet.
I look at him, 'Well, here goes, Mister Kal,' I say to him.
Pushing the door open, I step inside, and I'm immediately enveloped in a world of enchantment. The scent of dried herbs and flowers fills my nostrils, and a warm glow emanates from the open doorway at the top. I step into the attic, and my eyes widen in wonder at the sight before me.
A kaleidoscope of colours greets me as my gaze falls on the walls adorned with tapestries and paintings depicting ancient symbols and intricate spells. The ceiling is a canvas of stars, moons, and planets, painted with luminous paint that glows in the dark.
A wooden bookshelf towers over me in one corner, crammed with tomes and grimoires bound in leather, each more ancient than the last. The shelves overflow with jars, bottles, and boxes containing powders, roots, and herbs of all kinds, ready to be mixed into a potion or sprinkled over a spell.
At the centre of the room sits a large wooden table with a richly embroidered cloth scattered with crystals and rune stones. A cauldron sits atop a tripod, ready to brew a potent concoction, while a delicate silver wand rests on a velvet cushion.