I released a sigh. “Speaking of schedules”—I glanced at my watch—“it’s time I get going.”
It was pertinent I arrived home in time to begin my evening routine and I was already running behind. Dinner at six. Read for an hour at seven. Bedtime hygiene, then lights out at precisely nine o’clock. Tonight was already going to be disorderly as I wanted to go over my packing list one final time. Or two.
What if I forgot something?
“I’ll walk you out,” said Emberly.
A shout then a burst of laughter echoed in the halls as more students exited their classes and made their way outside. Though the chaos sometimes irked me, I couldn’t help but smile at the joy on their faces as they left for the day. Oh, to be young and curious again. The world at your fingertips, full of possibilities and adventure.
I used to feel that way. A long, long time ago before the rigors of academia took over my life, full of deadlines, meetings and expectations. Now I was overcome by climbing the ranks, proving myself, and staying on top of the most recent research.
Though I loved it, it was exhausting. Perhaps Emberly was right and this expedition was exactly what I needed.
We walked through the dark halls of Silverleaf Institute of Magic. It was one of the most renowned magic universities in the entire country of Eldoria, rivaled only by Lone Oak Magical Academy in Ravenwood.
Everyone in attendance—in addition to the professors—were witches. Some of us used our magical specialties in our fields of study, while others focused on something entirely different.
The corridors were mostly empty now, the late afternoon sun shining through the arched windows. Portraits of famous witches—those with academic awards or former renowned deans—were displayed along the windowless walls and I couldn’t keep my gaze from lingering on a particularly large one as we passed.
My mother’s.
Perhaps I would be up there someday.
The high-pitched shriekof the tea kettle pierced the quiet of my spotless kitchen as I turned off the stove. My adequately sized cottage was within walking distance of the university. Not too big, nor too small, it was just enough space for me to keep my belongings organized without feeling cluttered.
I abhorred clutter.
I selected a green floral teacup and matching saucer from the cupboard above the sink, setting them on the counter with care. As I poured my tea, the brush of soft fur rubbed against my ankles, accompanied by an urgent meow.
“One moment, Arthur.” I looked at my black cat, peering up at me with bright yellow eyes. “You know I must get my tea first.”
Arthur chirruped and hopped up onto a stool, patiently awaiting the dried fish flakes he received at the exact same time every evening. After setting my teacup on the side table beside myfavorite reading chair, I returned to the kitchen to feed my feline friend. A sprinkle of treats had him purring appreciatively and I gave him a scratch on the head before returning to my spot overlooking the back garden.
He ate with the utmost of manners, exactly like the perfect gentleman he was. I was going to miss him while I was gone. Luckily, Emberly’s wife had volunteered to look after him and I had no doubt he would get the best care.
“I just hope Rosamund remembers your schedule.”
Arthur answered with an enthusiastic meow.
Tilting the cup to my lips, I let the cinnamon dance on my tongue as I took a sip. It was my favorite time of the evening. Where I indulged in my tea, watched the sun set, and read—an academic text, of course. I was almost finished with Insect Identification of Magmira. The perfect book to refresh my memory for the expedition.
I gingerly tucked my legs beneath me, settling into the plush red velvet as I took a moment to stare out the window. I was going back in the field, something I hadn’t done in years, and was ecstatic. Despite the challenges that would come with not being able to stay organized and control everything, it was thrilling. As a graduate student, I loved being amidst nature. The sounds of animals surrounding me. The fresh air. The floral smells of the jungle. The?—
My phone rang.
“Oh!” I gasped, dropping the hot tea in my lap. “For goodness’ sake.”
Scrambling to pick up the teacup, I set it on the table and snatched a towel, frantically wiping up the spilled beverage before I rushed to the rotary phone on the wall of my living room.
“Yes?” I answered, trying to hide the irritation in my voice at the interruption.
“Cerise, dear. Is that how I taught you to answer the phone?”
I froze at the sound of my mother’svoice.
“Sorry, Mother. I was reading and not expecting a phone call.”
“You must be better prepared for the unexpected,” she chided. “What if it had been one of your colleagues? Or your boss? Would you really answer the phone so unprofessionally?”
