Grace of soul

4. Mary Dawson

Elizabeth returned home from lunch with Chris and felt light and happy, as if a flower had bloomed on her soul. She took off her shoes and went into her cozy room and threw her bag on the bed. His voice still echoed in her head and the smile never left her face.

She sat down on the window sill, looking out at the street, and reflected on how easy it was for them to communicate. Every look and laugh he gave her seemed familiar, as if they had known each other for a long time. Memories of his sincere jokes and warm words warmed her heart.

Liz felt a slight flutter in her chest - it was a mixture of excitement and hope. She remembered how he had shared his dreams and how she had listened to him with interest. Her thoughts wavered between joy at the new acquaintance and a slight excitement about what would happen next.

She walked over to the mirror and fixed her hair, trying to capture the confidence she had felt during lunch. Her mind was spinning with ideas of how she'd like to see him again-maybe tomorrow they'd be able to talk more than the five-minute break between classes.

— Sweetie, - her granny distracted her by stepping inside her granddaughter's bedroom, - would you like to sit with me, maybe even pour you a glass of brandy or wine?

— Sure! - Liz nodded, rising from her seat. - Let me just get changed.

Connie walked out and the girl walked over to the closet. She took off her dress and stood in front of the shelves, feeling thoughts of vampires come back into her head, thinking about how important it was to protect her loved ones.

Liz changed into soft jeans and a light jacket that hugged her, making her feel warm and safe.
Her gaze settled on the window, beyond which the evening sun was shining, coloring the sky with warm hues. She imagined how she could create an invisible shield around her home, a defense against all adversity. Elizabeth had always believed that magic was not only spells and rituals, but also the power of intention.

She remembered Kai telling stories of family amulets and protective talismans, and teaching her how to make them. Inspired by this thought, Elizabeth headed to her desk where she kept various small things for crafts.

She pulled beads and thread from a small box, imagining how she would create a bracelet or pendant with protective runes. Her imagination conjured up images of how this amulet would protect her family. Laying everything out on the table so she wouldn't forget to do it at night, Liz left the bedroom, heading for her Granny's house.

Connie was already sitting in a wicker chair, setting a bottle of red wine and an ashtray on the table. She was dressed in a light yellow cotton shirt with small pink flowers and blue worn jeans. A couple of gray strands were out of their usual bun, but that was how Grandma had always been in the girl's memories.

— There's a reception for the mayor on Friday. - Connie snorted as she sat down in a nearby chair, one leg tucked under her. - Now that you're back, it's your turn to go out to dinner parties.

— What's the party for? - Liz clarified, taking the glass of red liquid in her hands.

— A gathering of the founding families to discuss the year's events.

Connie lit a cigarette, her movements confident and natural. The smoke rose toward the sky, creating a light veil around them. Grandma always said it helped her relax. Elizabeth smiled as she watched her grandmother, who was happily sipping red wine from her glass. It was their favorite ritual - evening gatherings with wine and conversation. Only now they drank together.

— Mom used to do it. - Liz added quietly, staring at her grandmother's flower beds.

— Yes. Alice loved the holidays. - Connie shook off the ashes, taking another drag. - How's school going?