The Burgundy Moon

Buzzing

As I awoke to the sounds of magpies, I felt a bit of electricity in my tummy. I pondered this feeling for a moment and decided to let it teach me. I got out of bed and began to decide what to wear. I needed to be prepared for anything. I opted for my trusty blue jeans and my new mustard yellow blouse, with a slight sheerness that made me feel like a fairy.

I stood in front of the mirror, brushed my auburn hair, brushed my teeth, and headed down for breakfast. On my way, I passed my brother, who nearly knocked me out of the way.

"Yeesh, someone's in a hurry!" I teased.

"You know it!" he replied. "I have my meeting with the council today and don't want to be late!"

"Oh, that's right! Well, I wish you well, brother. I trust the council will have good news for you."

"Thank you, sister," he said nervously.

I pulled out a good luck charm from my pocket, an old bronze shoe from a board game. It was something my brother and I always fought over during playtime. Remembering his meeting today, I was hopeful for good news. This was his third meeting, and we were worried he was growing weary.

"Here," I said, placing the shoe in his hand.

He beamed at me, and we shared a knowing look that only siblings can.

"Thank you, Anita!" he exclaimed, hugging me before running out the door with a bagel stuffed in his mouth.

I watched my brother leave through the front window. He was a mess, but I loved him dearly. If anyone could make me snort milk out of my nose from laughing, it was him.

I went to the kitchen where Mother was busy preparing for her day. She was finishing her breakfast while poring over reports from the office. Ah, the dreaded office. She had so many bright ideas and shared them with great courage, but she was always having to navigate around red tape. She stepped in for her own father after he retired, and though she faced constant challenges, she handled them with unwavering determination. I believe she missed the comforts of home more and more.

"Good morning, dear!" She peered at me from behind her glasses, which had stooped down almost off her nose. "Did you rest well? How are you feeling?"

I let out a weary sigh. "I feel the buzzing in my tummy today. Not sure what it's trying to tell me yet."

Mother stood up, swallowing the last bite of her toast, and grabbed my shoulder.

"Then pay extra close attention today. When I have those feelings, I make sure to take extra time to pause and reflect. Something is beckoning to you. I know you'll figure it out." She wiped the crumbs off her face and planted a big kiss on my forehead, her affection radiating warmth.

"Well, let's hope it's a good call then." I grabbed her hand, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Mum. I'll remember that today. I hope things go well for you too!"

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Aha, you know it!"

I helped her pack up her papers and grabbed her lunchbox from the fridge. "Don't forget this, Mum! I need you to also take extra time to eat those brownies I made." I handed her the lunchbox and gave a wink.

The kitchen, filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and the soft morning light, felt like a safe haven. In that moment, I knew I wasn't alone in facing the challenges ahead.

She hugged me and headed out the door.

My family had this confident knowing that I was still trying to search for in myself. I don't know how they do it—balancing all the chaos with such ease. Sometimes, it makes me feel like a burden with my swirling unknowns. I've been meeting with ol' wise Milly. She believes I have a gift of insight, but I am not so sure. How could I be insightful?

I poured myself a cup of coffee and opened the fridge to see if anything piqued my interest. On buzzing mornings, eating was a difficult task. I grabbed the cream and made my coffee just right. After swirling it, I decided this morning it needed cinnamon. Once it was perfect, I sat by the bay window in our living room. Taking my first sip, I heard the birds chirping and felt the warmth of the sun on my cheeks.

Andrew had left the morning paper here. I opened it and instantly regretted reading a single word. How can this be?

I was torn from my thoughts by three thoughtful knocks.

Ah, Milly was here. I had almost forgotten I had suggested she meet me here so we could walk through the meadow together before our lessons.