The Deal

The Eye of Horus

She beams instantly, tucking the gemstone back down her front before narrowing her eyes towards the door I just came out of, "Yeah, well I'll need it, working around here."

I have to resist the urge to giggle and agree with her. I may not like Dr. Jones's methods, but he helped me through a very difficult time in my life and he hasn't given up on me yet. Even though I may not like his judgmental attitude and poor manners, I don't believe that he is a bad guy.

"Well, I hope it continues to lift your mood."

Nurse Baek shoots me one last smile and hands me a cherry-flavored sucker –my favorite- before I turn on my heel and head back towards the shop. Ms. Baek's willingness to try out something unusual for her, like my gemstone, dispels any negative thoughts I had coming out of that appointment.

It's comforting to know there are still open and kind people out there.

Stepping out into the sun, I pull my tan suede jacket tighter around my body, the chilly October wind howling through the trees. The cool coastal air nips at my nose and smells faintly of salt and fish, a smell I have learned to love over the years.

The town is pretty deserted this time of day, which would be unusual if it weren't a Sunday and half the town attended mass at the little chapel on the hill. I take this rare opportunity to stroll through the town I grew up in and really appreciate its beauty without all the scornful whispers and side-eyes I usually receive.

For a town that only consists of around 2,000 people, the streets are filled with brightly painted businesses; antique stores, book stores, and cafes. Lining those buildings are flower beds and lush pine trees.

There is a town square with a perfect lawn for picnics, a harbor for watching the boats pull out into the sea, and everywhere you turn you can see the hazy blue outline of the ocean and hear it kissing the rocks at the cliff's edge.

Though, that is one aspect that I could live without. The sea and I haven't been friends in a very long time, I can sometimes hear my mother's voice when the waves crest.

A permanent haunting right under my nose.

Despite that, it really is quite a beautiful and quiet town. The only things that stir its serenity are my family.

Maybe we are cursed.

Pulling me from my reverie, there is a small vibration against my bum as I'm crossing the street and I pull my phone out from the back pocket of my "mum" jeans, my heart instantly bursting into flame inside my chest.

H: How's the limp, Tiny Tim?

My face warms instantly as I read the words and I glance around me as if expecting someone to be reading the texts over my shoulder. Of course, no one is there except for my mum hovering a respectful distance away.

Me: I can walk perfectly fine, thank you very much.

It's not until I am walking up the cobblestone path to the familiar peeling red door of my Nan's shop that I receive a reply and nearly choke to death right there at the doorstep.

Now, that would be very bad luck.

What would my tombstone read? Death by cheeky flirt? How humiliating.

H: Well, I haven't properly done my job yet then. I could have you bed-ridden for days.

I glance through the frosted glass window of the door into the shop and am pleased to see both my Nan and Niall busy helping a family pick out crystals. I lean against the cobblestone wall, stupid grin hurting my cheeks.