Yesterday, dear reader, I had tea with Mrs. Hume. After market, I let her know I had something to give her, and she suggested that we go to her house and chat. I was a bit nervous, but I agreed, and after packing up my goods, we walked to the general store. You see, the Humes are the village’s grocers and their home is attached to one of the few shops in town. Mr. Hume greeted us as we entered, then upon seeing me, came over and shook my hand, declaring that I was “quite a baker” and that the apple pie I’d given them had been excellent. Well goodness, it made me blush, but I was rather pleased they had enjoyed.
Mrs. Hume invited me into the parlor, and once seated, I pulled the cinnamon candy out from my pocket. There was a moment’s pause as she recognized what I had in my hand, and then, after giving me a sly grin, asked me what I had thought of Dorothy. I was confused. Then I realized she was referring to the witch. Apparently the two women knew each other already, had even met for a visit earlier this month! I was astonished, and asked her how that could be, as the cabin had been in ruins the last I had seen it. She said that Dorothy and Tibbs always seemed to come and go that way, here one minute, gone the next. It was part of the forest’s magic, but they only ever seemed to appear in the fall. She said they liked to keep an eye on things and pointed out the window where a black kitten sat on the window sill cleaning himself serenely. Oh goodness, I was completely dumbfounded. Mrs. Hume chuckled, adding that she wasn’t certain I would get the chance to meet Dorothy, as the forest called to people in its own time and few listened. Still, she had had her suspicions after seeing the smoke over the forest again, and our conversation a few weeks ago had given her certainty. We watched as Tibbs jumped down from the window and meandered out of sight. Mrs. Hume looked back at the candy in my hand and thanked me for thinking of her, and more than that, for trusting her with such a sweet gift. I smiled, feeling glad there was someone with whom I could share this secret, and once more offered her the candy. With a wink, she popped it into her mouth, and noted it was just as good as she remembered.
After that, she made us some tea and we sat talking for a while. She mentioned the dinner party, and I remarked that, if the invitation was still open, I thought I might like to go. She said that of course she and her husband would be more than glad to have me as a guest.
As I walked back home, kicking through the dead leaves, I thought about what the witch —I mean Dorothy— had said, about how those who found her always needed something. Perhaps, I am beginning to realize what it is I needed. I’m glad I decided to go to the dinner party. For so long the only place I felt welcomed was with Auntie Ember and my sister, and while it may take a little courage on my part, I feel… well, perhaps things are beginning to change. I am still nervous, but goodness, after everything that has happened, I’m looking forward to making Greenwood my new home.