Page 61 of Witchy Woman

“I don’t know if I do want her back in our lives,” Hazel says. Now that her words are flowing, she’s apparently unable to stop. “I don’t want her in Hell, and I’ll do everything I can to get her out. But let’s be honest. The woman is toxic, and I don’t want her drowning us again with her bullshit. I feel like we’ve only just now been able to start breathing again.”

Bold to talk shit about Grandma’s own daughter in front of her, but go off, sis.

Grandma’s head drops, eyes falling to the mug sitting in her lap. But she doesn’t say a word.

Guess that truth tea doesn’t work on other Earth witches.

“That’s an entirely valid way to feel about someone who has mistreated you. It’s easy to write someone off when they’re no one, but your own mother? That comes with familial guilt and a sense of loyalty that she may not entirely deserve. It’s very courageous that you still want to save her, but the role she has in your life once she’s saved is entirely your decision.” Dr. Farrow’s words draw a gasp out of all three of us. “Just because she’s a member of your family doesn’t mean you owe her anything. Especially if she herself hasn’t done anything to earn that.”

Tears well up in Hazel’s eyes. She’s trembling and my fingers itch to wrap around hers.

But I don’t let them.

“Boundaries are important. We respect others’ and we respect our own. Your boundary may be that you don’t want her in your life. Someone else sitting here may choose differently. And that’s okay.”

What would happen if Hazel cut Mom off completely again? The first time that happened, it practically ruined our relationship for good. While we’re definitely not in a good place, at least we’re speaking.

Sort of.

That’s more than I can say for us just a few months ago.

“I think,” Dr. Farrow continues, “it would be good for you to focus on the three of you as a family over the holiday season. Whichever holiday you celebrate, put thought into your presents and be intentional with your time. Show each other how much love there is in this family still. And then, once the new year comes, figure out how to save Sarah. Maybe strengthening that bond will allow you to find a way to support one another in this endeavor.”

Christmas is in a week, isn’t it?

For someone who loves shopping, I really lost track of fucking time. I haven’t gotten anything for anyone.

Including Ash. Do I get something for Ash? Of course I should.

Probably.

He’s my boyfriend-soulmate-thing.

I mentally check out of therapy and put together a bullet list in my head. This is going to suck.

Chapter 28

Christmas Shopping

Ipull my fuzzy hood further over my head as I trample through the slush and snow in the market the next day.

I have to figure out Christmas presents for these bitches, and the market is the best place to start. Even if there are fewer booths than ever now that the snow is really coming down.

Gotta love that Northeast Ohio snow.

Not.

Okay, the therapist told me to be thoughtful and express my love with these gifts. Because showing emotion is totally my strong suit.

Absolutely.

My relationship with Grandma is probably the least volatile. She and I are on pretty reasonable terms, so that seems like a safe place to start. To work the shopping muscle and get it warmed up for the harder ones.

Grandma enjoys books, muumuus, tea, herbs, gossiping, and other Earth witch things like cooking and gardening.

I keep my eyes peeled as I walk along the booths, trying to find anything that screams Grandma.

Huh. I slow my slightly frustrated gait to a full stop.