Amelia

Peaches

This morning I decided to indulge myself and stayed in bed until noon. Mr. Mushroom, usually dozing at my feet, was this time leisurely contemplating what was happening outside the window, as if lost in thought. I hope he's not offended with me for forgetting to prepare his favorite treat, "Spotted Mushroom," yesterday.

Sunlight playfully seeped through the colorful stained glass windows, filling the room with vibrant reflections. When Mr. Mushroom noticed that I had woken up, he lazily slid off the windowsill and made his way over to me.

- Good morning, Mr. Mushroom. I slept in today... Hope you're not hungry?

But the cat only uttered a lazy meow before fleeing to another room in the house.

After getting up, washing up, and changing, I headed to my "laboratory". There was a sweet and gentle aroma lingering in the air, as if inviting me on an enchanting adventure. Glancing around, I noticed a wooden crate filled with juicy peaches. Oh, I completely forgot...

A week ago, I helped Mr. Orange and his wife get rid of some pests, and as a token of gratitude, they brought me a bunch of different fruits yesterday. And peaches were among them.

Rolling up my sleeves and lifting the heavy crate with my bare hands, I dragged it into the kitchen. Mr. Mushroom didn't seem particularly interested in the peaches. However, he seemed intrigued by the milk I poured into his saucer.

Carefully taking out the ripe fruits, I gently washed them in cool water. Some peaches were bright red, others pale orange. They were diverse and beautiful in their own way.

After sorting the peaches, I began cooking.

- Those that are smaller and more sour will be suitable for potions and infusions... Just like that! And these... These larger and sweeter ones... They will be the perfect component for ointments.

Carefully inspecting the last heap of fruits, I discovered that they were the most unusual, with a texture not quite suitable for magical properties.

- But no worries, I know what to do with you, hehe!

Standing on tiptoe, I retrieved a large bowl and a bunch of other jars from the wooden kitchen cabinet.

- It's time for peach muffins!

First came the eggs, then sugar and flour... The dough was ready. The most important part remained.

I carefully peeled the peaches and removed the pits. Chopping the flesh into small cubes, I added them to the bowl with the dough. After thorough mixing, the mixture went into the oven.

- And from the peels, I'll make powder!

Spreading a dry towel on the windowsill, I carefully laid out the peach skins on the fabric. The sunlight would slowly dry out the moisture.

So I spent the evening in the kitchen. The house filled with the scents of spring and freshness, mingling with the aroma of sweet pastries and herbal infusions.

- Mr. Mushroom, shoo-shoo!

The cat had a habit of dragging and hiding things. This time, he decided to snatch the peach skins, which occupied all the available space on the windowsill.

Someone knocked on the door. It was Irma, the daughter of the village spinner.

- Miss Amelia, hello! Oh, what's that smell?

Her worn smile turned into a pensive expression. This girl always noticed the scent in my house, even if I hadn't cooked anything.

- Hello, Irma. What brings you to me at such a late hour?

- My mother has been suffering from stomach pains lately. Can you advise anything?

Peering into one of my cupboards, I creakily retrieved a small vial filled with pink beads. Turning it thoughtfully, I looked at the girl.

- And what do these pains feel like?

- She spoke as if everything inside her was squeezing tight

- Ah, I see...

Uncorking the vial, I poured a couple of shiny beads into a linen pouch, tightly tying it with silk ribbon. Then I looked at the girl... She was sniffing the room so attentively that I decided to give her a little gift!

- Here, take this, it should help.

I gave the girl the pouch and one of the peach cakes.

- Wow, thank you, Mrs. Amelia!

She immediately took a bite of the sweet pastry, smiling kindly at me.

- You not only heal well but also cook wonderfully!

- Oh, come on... You're flattering me!

I blushed slightly. We talked for a while longer, and then I escorted Irma home.

The night pulled the celestial dome tightly with its dark fabric. Stars scattered chaotically across the sky, but unfortunately, I didn't have the strength to guess. After taking a shower and changing clothes, I settled into my comfortable bed. Mr. Mushroom didn't lag behind either; he stretched lazily and then comfortably curled up like a snail at my feet.