The Library

The Book of Witches

The next Saturday, Allina and Ms. Coleman sat in two old chairs next to the shelf of old, dusty books. Allina kicked her legs, watching Ms. Coleman as she pretended to read a dull history book. The old woman was busy with a sewing project of some sort.

"Ms. Coleman," Allina said, her voice rough from not speaking, "does anyone know what happened to those witches? Why hasn't anybody found out whether it was poison or sickness that killed Juana? And where's Alejandra now?"

"Little Allina, you ask far too many questions," said Ms. Coleman fondly. "You see, dear girl, when a witch dies or goes missing, it can cause quite the uproar." She looked over her shoulder, checking to see if anyone heard her. Her voice dropped to a whisper as she spoke.

"Why won't you answer any of my questions?" Allina asked. She sank into her chair and pouted.

"Let me speak," said Ms. Coleman, frowning. "Juana was found with froth in her mouth and boils on her body, writhing on the floor of her house. As for Alejandra, her house was a wreck, and she was gone."

"And then they found her wand at the beach," mused Allina. "Did she go in the ocean?"

"Perhaps," said old Ms. Coleman, a wry smile on her face.

Allina considered this for a moment. She then looked up and said, "Are you trying to teach me a lesson or something?"

"No, dear girl." A faraway look entered Ms. Coleman's eyes. "This is a far greater matter than that."

As Ms. Coleman stared into the distance, Allina walked back toward the shelf of old books. She reached up and grabbed the book of witches, and flipped quickly to the dog-eared page with Juana and Alejandra's portraits. The women, inked in profile, seemed to be looking at each other.

She read over the women's biographies, and as she did, she realized there was no mention of the state Juana was found in. The book simply said: A relative found Galarza dead in her home. Doctors performed an autopsy, but it couldn't determine the cause of death. "Did you know her, Ms. Coleman?"

"Who?" asked Ms. Coleman. There was a sharp edge to her voice Allina didn't like.

"That woman Juana." Allina didn't look Ms. Coleman directly in the eye. She slowly closed the book, then put it back on the shelf.

Ms. Coleman sighed. "Yes, little Allina." Her face sagged with the weight of decades.

Allina stood there, watching Ms. Coleman curiously. "Please tell me what's going on," said she.

Old Ms. Coleman rose from her seat, brushing off her lap. "Alright, dear girl. Come with me." Not looking to see if Allina was following her, she turned and began walking for the library door.