Wed just left the restaurant in Covent Garden where wed celebrated my birthday, and the night had gone off without a hitch. The place was packed with a mix of family, colleagues and a few faces Id never seen before, but James had invited everyone, so it must have been for a good reason.
Im not one to argue with James; I prefer to keep the peace rather than prove Im right. When he asked, Emily, have you got the keys? Can you get them out? I fumbled through my handbag, feeling a sudden sting that made me drop the bag onto the floor.
What happened? he asked.
Ive nicked myself on something, I said, trying not to sound foolish.
Your handbag could swallow a whole mouse, its no surprise you get scratched, he replied with a grin.
I didnt argue. I picked up the bag, eased the keys out, and we slipped into the flat. The pain in my fingers faded as I focused on my aching legs, dreaming of a hot shower and a soft bed. By morning my hand was swollen and red. Remembering the sting from the night before, I rummaged through the bag and, at the bottom, found a large, rusted needle.
What on earth is this doing in here? I muttered, tossing it into the bin. I fetched a firstaid kit, cleaned the wound and trotted off to work. By midday a fever set in.
I called James: Love, Im not sure what to do. I feel rottenheadache, body aches, and a fever. I found a rusted needle in my bag and I think I pricked myself with it last night.
Maybe you should see a doctor; it could be tetanus, he said.
Dont worry. Ive dressed the wound, Ill be fine, I replied.
But the hours only made me feel worse. I barely made it through the day, flagged down a cab and trudged home, too exhausted to take the bus. I collapsed onto the sofa and fell asleep.
In my dream my late grandmother Maud appeared, her back bent with age, her eyes sharp despite the years. I didnt know why I recognised her, but I felt certain it was her. She led me across a field, pointing out herbs I should gather and brew into a tea to cleanse my body. She warned that someone wanted to harm me and that I had to survive to fight back. Time was short.
I woke drenched in sweat, thinking Id slept for hours, but the clock showed only a few minutes had passed. The front door slammed openJames was back. I shuffled to the hallway, and when he saw me he gasped, Whats happened? Look at yourself in the mirror.
I stared at my reflection. Yesterday Id seen a bright, smiling face; now my hair hung in clumps, dark circles framed my eyes, my skin was pallid and my gaze empty.
Whats going on? I whispered, recalling the dream. I saw Maud in my sleep, she told me what to do
Get dressed, were going to the hospital, James urged.
I wont go, I said stubbornly. Maud said the doctors wont help.
A fierce argument broke out. James called me mad, saying my fevered visions of Maud were nonsense. For the first time we truly clashed. He tried to drag me out by my arm, shouting, If you wont go willingly, Ill make you.
I broke free, stumbled, and hit the corner of a cupboard. James, redfaced, grabbed his bag, slammed the door and stormed out. I managed only to email my boss, claiming I was ill and needed a few days off.
He returned after midnight, apologising, but I could only say, Take me to the village where Maud lived.
The next morning I looked more like a walking corpse than a healthy woman. James kept pleading, Dont be foolish, we need to get you to a doctor. I dont want to lose you.
We drove to the little village Maud had once called home. I barely remembered its name; the place had been sold after my parents bought the house following Mauds death. I slept through most of the journey. As we neared the village, I woke and said, Here.
We pulled up, and I flopped onto the grass, exhausted but convinced Maud had led me here. I collected the herbs shed shown me, and James brewed a decoction exactly as Id described. I sipped it slowly, each swallow lifting some of the fog.
When I got up to use the bathroom, I saw the urine was black. It didnt frighten me; it reminded me of Mauds words: Darkness will pass
That night Maud visited me again, smiling, then speaking: The rusted needle cast a spell on you. My brew will restore you, but only briefly. You must find the one who did this and return their evil. I cannot see who it was, but it is linked to your husband. Had you not thrown the needle away, I could have told you more.
Do this instead: buy a pack of needles, and over the largest say, Spirits of the night, hear me! Reveal the truth and help me find my foe Slip that needle into Jamess bag. The culprit will pierce themselves on it, and well learn their name, so we can turn their malice back on them.
Her image dissolved like mist.
I woke still feeling poorly but confident I would recover, certain Maud was watching over me. James decided to stay home and look after me. When I suggested a quick trip to the corner shop, he said, Emily, youre barely on your feet. Ill go with you. I replied, James, make us some soupIve got a roaring appetite after this illness.
I followed Mauds instructions. That evening the enchanted needle was already in Jamess bag. Before bed he asked, Are you sure you can manage alone? Should I stay with you? I answered, Ill be fine.
I felt a little better, though I knew the lingering curse still clung. The third days brew acted like an antidote, weakening the evil within me. I waited impatiently for James to finish work. When he stepped through the door I asked, How was your day? He shrugged, All good, why?
I thought the matter was settled, but he added, Imagine this: today Ivy from accounts tried to help me by reaching for the keys to my desk because my hands were full. She stuck her hand in her bag and got pricked by a needle. Where did that needle come from? She glared at me as if Id killed her with my stare.
Whats this about Ivy? I asked.
Emily, youre the only one who matters to me. Youre my only love.
Was she at the restaurant for my birthday? I asked.
Yes, just a good friend, nothing more.
Suddenly everything clicked. I understood how the rusty needle had ended up in my bag. James went to the kitchen where dinner waited. That night Maud showed me how to return Ivys malice. She told me Ivy wanted to eliminate me as a rival for Jamess affection, and if she failed shed resort to magic again. The woman would stop at nothing.
I did exactly as Maud advised. Soon James mentioned that Ivy had gone on sick leave, claiming she was gravely ill and doctors were helpless. I begged James to drive me back to the village for a weekend, to the cemetery where Maud lay. I bought a bunch of flowers, slipped on gloves, and struggled to find Mauds grave among the overgrown grass. When I reached it, I saw a photo on the stoneMaud, the very woman who had visited me in dreams, had saved me from death. I tidied the grave, placed the flowers in a vase of water, sat on a bench and whispered:
Grandma, Im sorry I didnt visit sooner. I thought a yearly drop-in was enough. I was wrong. Ill come more often. Without you, I might not be here now.
I felt as though Mauds hands rested on my shoulders. I turned, but there was only a gentle breeze.
