Page 9 of A Silenced Midlife

"Where did he go?" Ben asked.

"Luci does that," I muttered, knowing better than to question his methods. "Far too often."

Moments later, Luci reappeared, a bewildered human in tow. The man blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

"Wh-where am I?" he stammered.

"Yoooou're dreeeammminnggg," Luci intoned, while making his words echo like a spirit from beyond. He put a little magic behind it to give it oomph. "Dooon'ttt woooorrrryyyy, iiiiitssss alllll a ddreeeaaammmmm."

Luci leaned over and said, "Try telling him." Luci's command was for the townsman beside me. The man stepped forward, mouth opening. Silence. Not a word escaped.

"Your turn," Luci nodded at another person, again a human.

"Hey, I was going to tell you—" The second townsman's words cut off abruptly, his lips pressing together as if sealed by an invisible force.

A cheer erupted around us. The spell had worked.

The poor guy Luci had brought looked petrified. "Whaaaat a fuuuuunny dream," Luci cooed, still using that eerie tone, then the two of them disappeared.

"Right," I said, raising my hands again. "Let's get everyone sorted now."

"Hey, you brought us here, how are you going to get us home?" someone in the crowd interrupted.

I let out a sigh. Drat. They weren't wrong. "Come on out back." I waved everyone toward the door.

We shuffled into the backyard. We had them line up and one by one they told me their address. I’ve lived in this town all my life, I knew every street.

The first couple stepped up and told me their address, then I flicked my wrist, creating a portal. "Step through," I instructed each person, "straight to your living room."

"Next." I called out, again and again.

Luci popped back beside me, his usual smirk plastered across his face. "Need a hand?"

"Please," I said, motioning toward a waiting couple.

He snapped his fingers, and another portal sprang to life. "Off you go," he said as people hesitantly stepped through.

We worked in tandem, Luci's flair for dramatic entrances and exits making the process smoother. The line dwindled as townsfolk began to disappear into their own homes, still bewildered but safe.

When my parents stepped up, I made the portal myself. It was not the time for them to meet my devil-father.

Mom took my hands. “Are you okay, dear?”

I smiled at her, then pulled her into a hug. “I am. Promise. I’ll explain everything tomorrow night.”

She nodded and kissed my cheek before walking through the portal. Dad leaned in and kissed my forehead. “See you tomorrow night.”

When my parents were safe at their own house, I glanced over to see Luci watching me. I gave him a reassuring smile. We went back to work, getting everyone back to their homes.

"Thanks, Luci," I said once the last person had stepped through.

"Anytime, Liv," he replied, dusting off his hands with a satisfied grin. Then vanished.

This had been a long day, and it was only afternoon.

5

AVA

---