by C. A. Kunz
Cat’s attention focused on a sign on the side of the road.
As they zoomed past the sign, it shook and the population changed to 1000.
They pulled into a small vacant lot. Cat winced as the car backfired loudly after Miss Amaya turned it off. Standing outside the car, she took in a deep breath. “Cat, breathe in this air. You won’t find anything like it anywhere on the planet.”
How is this air any different from anywhere else? Different from the smog-filled cities maybe, but other than that…Oh well, who am I to argue with my Earth Science teacher? She wondered.
“Cat, I know you’ll fall in love with this place! So, a brief tour it shall be, and then on to The Purple Door. We’re going to have so much fun!” Miss Amaya exclaimed as she linked arms with Cat, and then walked down a small alley.
At the end of the alley lay a huge circle made of cobblestone. “This is our town square, though I guess it technically is a circle,” she joked.
Astoria had cobblestone streets, but they were dull compared to the polished surface that lay before them. The town square was bustling with activity. People of various shapes and sizes, who were dressed in all different styles of clothing, filled the large area. A light breeze blew and Cat noticed a flag flying from a pole in the middle of the square. It read: WELCOME ONE AND ALL. Surrounding the words were numerous symbols, some she recognized as religious ones.
“That’s our flagpole, maypole, and ‘anything else we need it to be’ pole,” Miss Amaya explained. “At Christmas, a metal frame in the shape of a fir tree is placed there. Then it’s decorated with lights and ornaments. It’s so magical! People from all over come to admire it. We wouldn’t dream of using a real tree, though. Cutting one down to last for a month would just be selfish,” she said smiling.
“Here’s our shopping district, my favorite part,” Miss Amaya gushed, her arms outstretched wide. Every store had a huge window in front displaying its wares. No two windows were the same shape or size. “On the left we have Harold’s Oddities. He’s such a cute little man. There’s Solflower to our right, which sells the most unique exotic plants! Over there is The Placid Cow and Gossamer’s Spell Shop.” Miss Amaya placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. “Oh! Speaking of Gossamer’s! I need to run in there for a minute. You can come if you like, or you could just wander around for a bit.”
“That store sounds interesting,” Cat stated, pointing to Full Moon Rising, which was next door to Gossamer’s.
“Okay, well enjoy. I shouldn’t be long. See you in a bit,” Miss Amaya said, smiling at her.
Upon entering through the light blue door of Full Moon Rising, Cat was greeted by a tall, slender woman dressed in a gown that could only be described as breathtaking. It was brilliant white with small full moons woven into the fabric.
“Good morning, young lady. Welcome to Full Moon Rising. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask,” she said, smiling at Cat. The woman’s soothing voice enveloped her.
“Thank you,” Cat said, returning her smile. After walking deeper into the store, she noticed on one wall there were shelves full of moons that were displayed in every way possible. Mini paintings, desktop stands with moons resting on them, moon globes, and moon posters. On the other side of the store she saw several cabinets full of books. Walking over she glanced at the titles. How the Moon Affects Your Mood, The Moon Encyclopedia, How to Read the Moon, and The Truth About Werewolves and Full Moons.
“Find anything interesting, Cat?” Miss Amaya asked, peering over her shoulder.
“This store is amazing! I didn’t know there was this much information about the moon,” she replied.
“Blessed be, Amaya. Is this lovely young lady with you?”
Miss Amaya put her arm around Cat, “Yes Miranda, this is Cat Colvin, a student and a friend of mine. Cat, this is Miranda, the owner of this wonderful store.”
“I’m so delighted to meet you, Cat! You’ve picked a great day to visit us. The festival this year is the largest we’ve ever had. It’s true that the world is shifting and more people are finding their light.”
“Well, we must be going, Miranda. As you said, there’s lots to do today. Give my love to your mother. Blessed be. Now, it’s off to see Gretchen,” she announced as she started leading Cat out of the store.
Cat stopped and looked up at the sky. There were ominous looking clouds in the distance. “Looks like we’re going to have a typical wet and gloomy Astoria day.”
“No, we won’t. It wouldn’t dare rain on the festival. A fair sunny day was ordered and that’s what we shall have,” Miss Amaya replied with a grin as she kept on walking. Cat stood there watching her move ahead, and then looked back at the dark clouds. I guess only time will tell, Cat thought, then hurried to catch up with her teacher.
At the end of the street stood the most unique shop Cat had seen thus far. It was painted lavender and the front door was painted a dark purple. Two huge pots, overflowing with beautiful flowers in all shades of blue, were nestled on either side of the stairs leading up to the door. To the left of the door was a large window surrounded by purple flowered bougainvillea vines. A sign that read “The Purple Door” was hanging on the awning just above the door.
The soft tinkling of bells and a delightful fragrance greeted them as Miss Amaya opened the door. “Ah, incense. Oil of Nag Champa to be exact. Gretchen’s favorite scent,” she said, escorting Cat through the doorway. Standing in the large room, Cat’s eyes took in the sights before her. Though every corner of the store was packed with merchandise, it didn’t feel cramped or crowded. Holy crap! I’ve never seen this much stuff in one place before. I bet I could come back over and over, and see something different every time, she thought.
A large white falcon sitting on an antique wooden perch located at the back of the store, stretched it wings and let out a screech.
“What have I told you about using your inside voice to greet our customers? Someday you’ll give someone a heart attack!” A slender woman with long silver hair reprimanded, smoothing down the bird’s feathers.
Cat stared in amazement as the falcon turned its head and winked at her while making a grumbling noise. That bird looks like the one I saw outside my bedroom window. Weird. The bird winked at her again and Cat’s eye grew wide with surprise.
“Namaste, Amaya! I’m so happy you’re here!” The woman exclaimed, moving forward to greet them with her hands extended. Her face was ageless and her skin appeared radiant and clear. Her eyes were a beautiful ice blue. I could’ve sworn her eyes were just silver. Did they change color? Cat thought.
“Namaste, Gretchen!” Miss Amaya said, accepting her hug.
“Amaya, it’s been so long. I’ve truly missed you. So, this is the young lady you were telling me about when you called last night, huh?” Gretchen asked, looking toward Cat. “She looks like a Catherine, but I’ll call her Cat like her friends do. With your permission, of course,” Gretchen said with her silver eyes looking into Cat’s.
“Of course you may…I mean that would be fine.” Of course you may? Where did that come from? And her eyes are silver again, what the heck?
“Wonderful! Aylah, come out and meet our guest.”
Another slender woman walked through the beaded curtain at the back of the store. She was dressed the same as Gretchen but her hair was a dark chestnut brown with eyes to match. “Welcome. Amaya, so lovely to see you,” she said quietly as she hugged her.
Hey! Where did that bird go? It was just there. I would’ve seen it fly away, Cat thought while looking at the empty perch.
“Ladies, please have a seat through here,” Gretchen said while gesturing to an open door at the back of the shop.
The room was softly lit by sculpted metal sconces on the wall. A large round table stood in the middle of the room with a dark purple drape covering it. In the center of the table sat a huge crystal, a soft warm light was glowing from within.
“Please Cat, Amaya, make yourself at home,” Gretchen sai
d while pointing to the chairs surrounding the table. “Okay, let’s get started. Now Cat, I believe you recently met Madame Nadja?” Gretchen smiled at her and then quickly frowned, turning to look behind her. “Thank you, Spirit, my memory is just fine. In fact, just hang on until I need you, okay?” Gretchen turned back around. “Now, where were we? Yes, Madame Nadja, at the annual carnival. I know her well. She read the tarot for you, correct?” Cat nodded. “I sense you have a few questions about the cards you drew,” Gretchen said. She frowned as she looked over her shoulder, “What do you mean she was not told the truth?” Gretchen asked. “I know, I know! She’s a child, but she needs guidance! So Spirit, please be quiet!” Facing Cat again she grimaced. Realizing what she was doing, Gretchen placed a wide smile on her face.
Cat sat fascinated. Who was she talking to? There’s definitely no one behind her, she thought.
“SSSSSSHHH! Please I’m trying to talk to Cat! Go and take a break why don’t you!”
Cat stared at the spot where Gretchen was looking at and again saw nothing. She smiled, amused at the eccentricities of the woman in front of her.
“Now,” Gretchen said, looking at Cat. “The card you were most intrigued by was the third one, correct?” Cat nodded again. “Nadja told you about the first two, how a tragedy happened in your past, but now things are much better. Quit poking me spirit, I know what I’m doing. Imbecile! Now I’ve lost my train of thought again! Oh yeah, about the present, she said watch out for others around you. The third…oh, I see…the Death card. Now dear, it doesn’t necessarily mean doom and gloom or even real death. Nadja told you that you have a bright future ahead of you…hmm.”
Gretchen placed her hands on the large crystal and took a deep breath, her brow creasing. The crystal’s glow intensified and the light began pulsating, almost as if it were responding to her heartbeat. After a few seconds, Gretchen sat back in her chair, her comforting smile back on her face.
“Now Cat, I know you’re aware that Nadja was a little untruthful about this card. And truth be told, she’s right about a bright future. But as with everything else in life, changes occur. We’re put on this Earth to make our own choices and write our own paths. Actions you take today will affect tomorrow no matter how insignificant or trivial they seem to you-”
“Tell her about her sixteenth year,” a ghostly voice whispered to Gretchen, interrupting her. She groaned angrily and frowned. Turning away from Cat and Miss Amaya, she shook her finger and looked as if she was furiously whispering at someone behind her again. She faced them and regained her composure.
“Where was I? Oh yeah. So Cat, your sixteenth birthday will be arriving soon and changes will come. As in life, change is inevitable. Don’t worry please, all will be well.” Cat knew that Gretchen was trying to be positive, but still felt suspicious that she wasn’t getting the whole truth. “Do you have any questions?”
Cat sat there thinking she should ask about the dark figures, hearing people’s thoughts, her nightmares, and even the whole seeing the future stuff. But at the risk of sounding crazy, she decided not to.
Gretchen looked at Cat as if she knew what she was thinking and smiled, “Well then, here’s my card. Call me if you can think of anything. Or better yet, have Amaya bring you back. Annie,” Gretchen called out. Cat heard a noise behind her and there stood a tiny woman with wiry black hair, matching the hair in the mole on her chin. When she smiled, two big dimples formed and her eyes almost disappeared behind her cheeks.
“Yes, Gretchen?”
“Please give our friends a cup of chamomile tea with some honey. Oh, and those little cookies that I like.” Annie left and returned seconds later with a tray in her hands. A teapot decorated with carvings of mythical creatures sat atop it along with three tea cups to match. Biting into the little cookie, Cat couldn’t decide what flavor she tasted, but nevertheless thought it was delicious.
“Gretchen, I hate to interrupt, but there’s a lady asking for you,” Aylah said from the doorway.
“Well, as much as I’d love to sit here all day, I must take my leave. Duty calls! So you two take your time and then come and browse.” With that Gretchen left her seat and walked out of the room.
“Cat, are you okay? You haven’t said one word.” Miss Amaya looked concerned.
“Yeah, I’m okay, it’s just that-” Cat hesitated.
Placing her hand on Cat’s shoulder, she asked, “What, Cat? What’s on your mind?”
“Oh, never mind. It’s silly, really. Let’s go look around,” she replied as she rose from her seat and set down her cup of tea. Miss Amaya followed her, a worried frown was on her face. She wished Cat would confide in her.
As they entered the main room, Gretchen called Miss Amaya to join her by the back counter. “Amaya, Cat is in real danger. We must keep a watchful eye on her. I feel bad for lying, but Madame Nadja was right to not tell her the whole truth,” she whispered, after pulling Miss Amaya out of Cat’s earshot.
“I know. I sense it as well. Something dark is coming and we need to be prepared,” Miss Amaya said while looking at Cat wandering the far side of the store.
“You must not tell her. We need to work in the shadows and not let her become suspicious of our actions. This is something she must work through herself. This is her life path,” Gretchen continued, whispering urgently. Miss Amaya nodded in full agreement.
Scanning the bookshelves, Cat spied a leather-bound, ancient looking book titled Life’s Mysteries. After opening to the first page, she saw an image of a wizened, old woman. “Why are you bothering me?” The image cried out in dismay. “Close the door! There’s a draft!” Cat quickly shut the book and pushed it back into the vacant space. Looking around, she wondered if anyone had heard what just happened. Cat realized several people around her were quietly snickering, and she reddened with embarrassment,
“Don’t worry, Cat. Elspeth always does that. She doesn’t want to leave us, she’s afraid she might be sold,” Aylah explained quietly, standing beside her. “She’s very old, and hates change.” Running her hand along the row of books, Aylah plucked one from the shelf. “Here Cat, this is one you might like. Have a seat and look through it,” she said, pressing the book into Cat’s hands and then guided her to a large comfy chair.
Dazed, Cat sat down thinking about what she just witnessed. Books don’t talk! Unless, maybe there’s an electronic device in it. But that book looked too old to have such a modern device. So how did it talk? Shaking her head, she focused on the book Aylah gave her. The cover was beautifully illustrated with mythical creatures, so real that when Cat went to open it, she could have sworn they moved.
“You’re losing it Cat,” she mumbled to herself. The table of contents list was long and it seemed that every creature she ever heard about was included. As she read the pages on mermaids and mermen, she felt like the author truly believed they were real. I think I’ll get this for Uncle Aldon. He loves unusual things and this book definitely fits the bill, she thought. Cat jumped up, turned, and almost ran into a small elderly woman who was clutching an old wooden walking stick.
“I’m so sorry,” Cat apologized, “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m alright. I’ve lived many years. And though I may look frail, I’m still as strong as I was when I was ninety.” Cat looked into the women’s face, trying not to stare as she observed an extremely old woman looking back at her. The woman chuckled. “Yes dear, I’m very, very old. Don’t look embarrassed, I’m not. You know, I personally know the author of that book in your hands, and I’m sure your uncle will absolutely love it.
How does she know I’m buying this book for Aldon? Did I say that out loud? What is with this place?
Come now, you surely can’t leave the store without a book of your own. Here, let me see,” the woman said looking through the bookshelf. “Ah, this one will be perfect for you.”
“Thank you,” Cat replied as the woman placed the book in her out
stretched hand. Looking at the cover, she noticed it was bare. Cat began to ask about it, but then realized the woman had disappeared. She looked around, but the woman was nowhere in sight. Where the heck did that lady go? How did she move so fast?
“Ah Cat, so what did you think of the book?” Aylah asked, coming up beside her.
“I love it! My uncle will definitely enjoy it, too. I also want to buy this book.” Aylah took the books from Cat and walked to the register. She followed, still wondering where on earth the old woman had vanished to.
“Cat, which shelf did you get this one from?” She saw Aylah holding the one the lady had given her.
“The little old lady took it off that shelf. The one by itself,” she said, pointing to the opposite wall.
“Which little old lady?” Aylah asked, looking around.
“The lady who was dressed in all green and walking with a wooden stick. She seemed to have just disappeared,” Cat replied.
“Oh, you met Mildred, how fortunate for you. She doesn’t materialize for just anyone. Only the ones she feels are special and need her guidance. That’ll be twenty dollars,” Aylah told her.
“Only twenty dollars for both?” Cat asked, looking puzzled. She looked at the price on the creature book and it was twenty. So how could it be just twenty for both? She wondered.
“Yes, that’s right. When Mildred shows herself she always gives a book to the person she acknowledges. This time, it was you. And we definitely can’t charge for something a person doesn’t pick themselves, now can we?” Dazed, Cat shook her head. By this time, she was so confused she wouldn’t have been surprised to see a unicorn walking around the store. She had so many questions.
“It was so wonderful meeting you, Cat,” Gretchen gushed, walking up and hugging her. “I’ve told Amaya she must bring you again soon!”
“Yes Cat, it would be our honor to have you grace us with your presence again,” Aylah chimed in, hugging her as well. As they walked toward the door, Cat turned and watched Gretchen, Aylah, and Annie standing side by side waving goodbye.
