The Beginning

I awoke with the sun shining on my face, filtering through the dull yellow curtains Mother had made for my room when I was still in her womb. What a lovely day! Salem rarely had days so full of bright sunshine and happiness. And, even better, it was a Sunday! No chores, a day full of worship and rest.

"Soline! Get up and dressed! We are going to be late for church!" Mother called from downstairs.

"Yes mother!" I replied, getting up and stretching. I hid my spell book in the usual spot, behind the dresser, and got dressed into my Sunday clothes, which were so much more fair than my usual every day clothes. I took a moment to appreciate Mother's beautiful stitch work once more before heading out my bedroom door and going downstairs. Mother was putting on her shawl, and I rushed to follow her and Father out the door. Our family was one that practiced the "dark arts" as the preacher called it, but Father says that he just doesn't understand. There is a difference between good magic and bad magic, and we only practiced the good magic.

On our short walk to church, we passed by the local beggar woman, and I asked Father for a coin to give to her, so she may either make or buy clothes to wear to church. She had not been to church in a fortnight, and I was almost positive it was because she did not have the right attire. Father gave me a coin, and I rushed over to give it to her. She looked at me with hope in her eyes and gave me her most humble thanks. After returning to my parents, Father looked at me with a gleam in his eye, I think he was proud of me.

"You are very generous, dear Soline," he told me. Father was not one for words, and his compliment warmed my heart.