Page 2 of Crazy Thing

A whimper leaves my lips. I guess I could add the feather to the trinkets on sale in the basket at the cash register and try to get a whole nickel out of it.Even then, I still wouldn’t have made a single dollar today.

My stomach clenches again. I've been suffering from some tummy problems lately. It almost feels like anxiety. But anxiety? Me? That’s not like me. Usually, meditation would clear that right up. Not these days, though.

I’m generally an optimistic girl. But these days, it’s hard not to feel disheartened. I’m not in this business for the money but still, I’d like to feel appreciated for my efforts, to know that I’m making an impact, to not have to worry about how I’ll cover my essentials.

All I want is security. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

Setting my newfound riches aside, I turn toward my stack of mail. I try to hold on to the after effects of my meditation. Only, my mind is not so clear anymore. I already feel a dip in my mood.

I really should ignore the mail until tomorrow if I want to continue riding the high of my meditation. But considering I recently spent three weeks in Arizona participating in a spiritual retreat, I can’t really afford to take any more mental health days.

One of the envelopes stands out to me. I rip it open and find a letter from the landlord of my metaphysical shop. My spirits sink a bit lower with each line of text I read.

Oh no. Oh-no-oh-no-oh-no. This has to be a mistake.

It’s a notice of non-renewal. According to the letter, Mr. Jones is not going to renew my lease since I’m a tad behind on the rent.

Okay, fine. Not a tad behind. I’mverybehind.

He’s nice about it, at least, apologizing a half dozen timesthroughout the letter. He likes me, he says, but things can’t go on like this. He has bills to pay, too.

I stare at the letter until the words go blurry from the tears clouding my eyes. I drop my face into my hands and let out a tired sigh.

“Come on, Ziggy,” I mutter to myself. “You know better than this.”

There’s a solution. There’salwaysa solution. The universe always presents a solution…Right?

Dropping my weight against the front display case, I flip over the envelope and grab a pen. I search my brain, considering who I might be able to turn to for financial help. I scribble down a few names and I’m not liking my options.

Aunt Rainbow recently loaned a whole bunch of money to my little sister, Daphne, when she was opening up her vintage clothing boutique. So I really don’t want to ask my mother’s sister for help.

As for Daphne, she’s still neck-deep, repaying that very same loan. On top of that, my sister and her fiancé, Felix, are busy planning their dream wedding. So showing up at her door, looking for a hand-out is out of the question.

Then there’s my brother, Timothy. But all he and his boyfriend, Zack, ever talk about is how they're struggling to save up to get out of their tiny shoebox apartment.

My snooty parents are out of the question. Despite being annoyingly rich, they’d never lend me a dime. I’m the black sheep of the family. Too spontaneous. Too whimsical. Too impossible to control. The few times a year when I make the mistake of going to visit them, they’re always on my case about cleaning up my bohemian appearance and finding a rich husband. So, I already know they’d never help fund a business venture they disapprove of.

I have a group of amazing friends, but I can’t ask themfor help either. I’m the spiritual one. The one everyone comes to for answers and guidance. I’d die of embarrassment, having to admit to my girls that I have no idea what I’m doing financially.

I go over my list of options again. I don’t see any other choice. With another sigh, I swallow my pride and pick up my phone. I scroll through my contacts and tap on Aunt Rainbow’s name.

It doesn’t even finish ringing once before I hear my aunt’s voice on the other end.There’s a frantic note in her voice that instantly sets me on edge.

“Ziggy! I’m so glad you called, moonbeam. You must have tuned into my telepathic S-O-S.”

“Oh, um, did I?” I stammer, caught off-guard.

Aunt Rainbow speaks in a rush. “You need to get to Starlight Falls. Now. We need your help.”

2

DARIUS

Starlight Falls, Iowa

I’m pissed.

Because I’ve got a mountain of shit to do, and nothing is going right today.

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