That gave a hard tug at my heartstrings. I pulled him close and he returned the gesture, tucking my head under his chin. His cold touch leached into my skin but I held on; he wasn’t ready to let go and I wasn’t ready to let him down. I’d been lonely more times than I could count.
I wracked my brains for what people were supposed to do when someone felt low. ‘Cup of tea?’ I offered.
A smile traced his lips. ‘That would be nice but finish your potion first. I’ll watch quietly. Your company will be enough to make me happy.’
Benji pulled out a bar stool and sat down, then watched me bustle around, fiddling with ingredients and the height of the flame. I checked the temperature: it was perfect for ingredient combination, so I added Mum’s blood to each cauldron. Then I added each variation of ingredient to the three waiting cauldrons, and all three to the fourth cauldron.
I stirred patiently. When the potions turned silver, I knew they were done. I had already prepared the ice bath, so I transferred the cauldrons to it and heard the hiss as the heat hit the cold. I started to stir each of them in turn.
‘Can I help?’ Benji offered solicitously.
I am not good at delegating but I surprised myself by nodding. ‘Sure. You can stir thesetwo.’
He joined me by the ice bath and together we stirred the cauldrons. It was easier with the two of us working together. My necklace was warm on my neck. I touched it lightly and felt a roll of approval from my sisters.
It had taken me a long time, but maybe I was finally learning how to play nicely with others.
