“How are you today Nan?''I asked, setting down the grocery sacks.
“This cold weather is killin’ my joints. The trees are beautiful though.” Nan replied putting the kettle on the stove.
“I’ll get the fire going. Then I can lose at chess again.” I said, pulling the tea from the paper sack.
“You’ll get it one day lad but until then fetch me the thick blanket from the closet would you and you’ll have to go get more wood”.
Grabbing the wood carrier and the ax I stepped out into the cool autumn air. The sun flittered through the trees around the cottage leaving leaf-shaped patches all over the stonework.
After collecting enough wood I made my way back through the garden making a mental note to clear this year's plants and mix in the fertilizer.
“I miss having you around the house, my moonbeam. Are you sure you can’t move back?” Nan asked, wrapping herself in the oversized blanket while settling into the rocking chair by the fireplace.
“With work, you’d hardly see me but I’ll make a deal with you,” I said, gathering the tinder into a pile and arranging the logs.
“It’s dangerous to make deals. Think carefully about how you word it.” Nan laughed gleefully. No doubt thinking of all the stories she had told me when I was little of strange creatures that told no lies but we’re all the more deceptive because of it.
“Nan you're not one of the fair folk and besides you know I always think my words over carefully”.
“I suppose you learned after The cookie incident when you were six”
“If you promise to listen to your doctors and take your meds I’ll find a way to come see you at least once a week,” I said striking the match.
“I suppose, but those doctors always miss the simple answers. Why have some nasty pill to help me sleep when valerian root and lavender with honey in my tea works just as well and tastes better?” She said, peering over her glasses.
“You know your potions help with some things but not everything can be fixed with a sprig and a bulb. Mint helps with upset stomach chamomile and valerian root to help fall asleep, and medication for serious sickness“.
“Bah, You just don’t want to go without your gizmos. I expect your terms moonbeam. I'll listen to them but you have to bring me yarn and books and bottles of dew.” She said waggling her finger at me before wrapping the blanket back around herself and stretching her feet towards the fire.
