Page 76 of With This Witch
“Gammy, would you like to go rest?”
“Yes, please. I think a little lie-down would do me well.”
Petra moves to her side and puts out her arm for Gammy to hold on to as she stands. Helping her inside, Gammy instructs her to take her to the plush sofa in the living room.
As Gammy settles on the couch, Petra lays a light blanket over her. Gammy’s eyes start to close, her breathing slowing. Petra picks up a mystery novel from the side table and sits in the matching chair, curling her legs underneath her. Opening the book, she begins to read, listening to Gammy softly snore.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN
Petra
Petra leaves Gammy’s a little earlier than usual on one afternoon. She’s slowly been adjusting to the new powers from the grimoire, and Gammy is extremely helpful as she navigates her new abilities. It turns out that the grimoire didn’t just strengthen her power but also gave her new skills. She has developed a new affinity for elemental manipulation along with the calming magic she already possesses. She can now do things like control fire and heat. Using these new skills, she’s even been able to turn water into ice by manipulating heat levels within the water. Gammy says should Petra continue to develop this new skill, she may even able to control things like the weather.
She arrives at her work for a follow-up meeting with Sheila and Rosemary. As she walks from the parking lot to the front door, she passes by the play yard full of children. Many of them, including those from her preschool group, charge up to the fence, excited to see her.
“Miss Petra! Miss Petra!” they call out.
“Hi, friends! I’ve missed you all so much,” she says, stopping and squatting down to talk to them.
“Miss Petra, where have you been?” Max asks.
“I had to take some time off. I wasn’t feeling well.”
“Are you feeling better?” Seraphina queries.
“Much better, thank you for asking. I have to go talk to Miss Sheila and Miss Rosemary, but I am so happy to see you.”
“Bye, Miss Petra!” they yell as they run back to play.
Her heart smiles as she watches them leave. She didn’t realize how much she missed them all. How much she missed being here and watching them grow.
Upon entering the facility, she is greeted by Sheila, who pulls her into a warm hug. Sheila releases her and holds Petra out at arm’s length, her hands on Petra’s shoulders.
“I am so happy to see you, dear. You look well.”
“I am well, and it’s good to see you too. I didn’t realize how much I missed being here. It’s been good to be away, but I’m ready to return.”
“Come, come. Rosemary is in the office. We can talk there,” Sheila says, walking ahead of Petra into the office. Petra follows and is greeted with another hug from Rosemary when she enters.
They settle in the chairs in the corner of the room. A brief, awkward silence fills the room as they wait for the other to start. Rosemary eventually takes the lead.
“As we’ve said, we are so happy to see you. You truly do look well,” Rosemary says.
“Thank you.”
“How are things going with you? Has the time off been beneficial?” Sheila asks, clearly seeking whether Petra is fit to return.
“It has. I cannot thank you enough for recognizing what I needed and forcing me to accept it. I didn’t think I was that bad. I tried to keep my chaotic life from trickling into my work, but we know that is virtually impossible,” Petra shares. “The time off allowed me to focus on what I needed to work on, and in doing so, I found more of myself and believe I have grown into a better person and will be a better educator.”
“That’s wonderful, dear. We are so happy to hear it,” Sheila says.
“I would love to come back if you’ll have me.”
“We would love to have you return. Your children have missed you, and we are certain they will be happy to have their Miss Petra back!” Rosemary tells her.
“Does next week work for you?” Sheila asks.
“It’s perfect.”
