Way of The Wand

Chapter 10

Tomi surprised Lila with a bouquet of roses when they got to the Witches’ Market.

Lila’s lips stretched into a thin smile as she accepted the gift and raised it to her nose.

“You didn’t have to,” Lila said as she snuggled the flowers.

“You did great today Lila, and I’m inspired. When the task of smarts comes, I’ll do just as great.”

“I’m sure you will,” Lila said, hugging Tomi.

“Where’s Timi by the way?” Lila asked as Mrs Afolabi emerged from the inner part of the store.

“Making deliveries,” Wura Afolabi answered, setting down two sliced coconuts on a table in front of Tomi and Lila.

“Aunt Wura,” Lila said, her voice catching in her throat, “I’m really sorry for destroying the broomstick you gave me.”

Wura Afolabi waved Lila’s apology away.

“I got so many orders for zelters after that stunt you pulled,” she told Lila. “Couldn’t have asked for a better advert.”

That day, more people came by the store to purchase broomsticks than Lila had ever witnessed. She helped sell a few, chatting excitedly as buyers commended her for her flying skills before leaving with their purchases.

Sometime after sundown, Mr and Mrs Orion arrived to take Lila home.

Mrs Afolabi pulled out the mirror they’d shared out at the arena and used it to show the Orions what they missed.

Mr Orion was moved to tears. He grabbed Lila and squeezed her into a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry we missed this. Your mother and I are so proud of you.”

Fenora Orion, Lila’s mother, broke into a monologue about how bad she felt for missing her baby’s task. She complained about how much her work at the Tartian wand making factory had been stressing her and how she had very little free time to spend outside of work.

Lila wanted to make her Mum stop, to let Fenora know she understood they were simply trying to make ends meet, to do everything possible to provide for her. She couldn’t fault that. In fact, the reason she wanted more free-time for her parents wasn’t so they could spend all of it hanging out with her—she had her friends for that—but so they could rest.

They came home every evening looking worn and tired. And her father, who was only in his late thirties already had sprinkles of grey in his hair.

“Mum, mum,” Lila stressed the second “mum” to interrupt Fenora. “It’s okay.”

She stood on her heels to embrace Fenora and kiss her cheek. “I know none of this is your fault.”

Fenora smiled. What did she do to deserve such an understanding daughter?

“We should get going,” Wylian Orion said, waving goodbye to Wura and Tomi.

“Thank you so much for looking after her Wura,” Fenora said.