"Wild strawberry jam is just better," Helen repeated once more. Kate looked at her stubborn mother with a tender smile. There was no talking her out of it; her mother had her heart set on those wild berries. "Wild strawberries are special," Helen murmured with a dreamy smile. "They smell like birdsong, woodsmoke, and freedom..." "Alright, Mom," Kate laughed. "I've been wanting to go for a hike anyway. I'll get you your berries." "Then I'll handle the pie," her mother replied with a playful wink. *** Now Kate stood looking at her basket, filled to the brim with the fragrant ...
"You've spoiled them, that's the truth of it." Sarah looked at her sister with a mix of sympathy and sternness. "Why did you spend your whole life dancing attendance on your husband? Why did you do everything for your daughter? She's a grown woman, yet she's never so much as rinsed her own plate or picked her socks up off the floor. They were comfortable with you the way people are comfortable with a maid—this ghost-person who serves, cleans, launders, and most importantly, never demands an ounce of respect." Jane nodded slowly. "You're right, Sarah. You're absolutely right. But what's ...
"It's going to cost you dearly," the witch said, her eyes narrowing. Her eyes were dark and deep, like a midnight sky. People knew little about her; some said Sarah was local. They whispered that years ago, a traveling carnival had passed near the town, and a fatal passion had ignited between a handsome performer and a local girl. They said the young man had fallen hopelessly in love and went to the girl's father to ask for her hand. But the head of the family was stubborn; he wouldn't let his daughter leave with the carnival. So, the young ...
"Oh, Kate, you really hit the jackpot!" Irene took a sip of coffee from her snow-white porcelain cup and smiled at her friend. "Who would've thought all those dreams would come true, right? Remember when we were college students, splitting one fashion magazine between us and skipping lunch to save a few bucks?" Kate shrugged. "That was then, Irene. But you're right, we really can't complain." The friends were sitting on the terrace of a sprawling suburban estate belonging to Kate's husband, Ethan Vance, a highly successful plastic surgeon. Ethan earned a small fortune; his surgery schedule was usually booked ...
"Lily, honey, don't forget your warm jacket. They're predicting rain for next week," Mary looked anxiously at her daughter, who was packing nothing but fancy dresses into her suitcase. Lily rolled her eyes. "Mom, I've got it. Do you really think I won't find something to wear in New York?" Mary sighed. Her little girl had grown up so fast. It felt like just yesterday they were arguing over what she'd wear to school. Lily had always wanted to stand out, wearing short skirts and high heels. Her mother, on the other hand, wanted her to focus more on her ...
