31 Plays in 31 Days, #29 - “Witch Knowledge”

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Pushing to finish the challenge. I’m a day behind, and the month is almost over. Another little witch girl story.



Day #29 - “Witch Knowledge”

GWEN, a tween who lives with her aunt
SANDRA, a mysterious woman she doesn’t know

Early 2000’s, Cape Cod
~~~

(GWEN is in the garden, trying to use magic to pull power out of the plants around her. She gathers some into herself, and exhales hard as she feels her head clear. Then, suddenly, she is wracked with a huge sneeze, snot running down her face.)

(SANDRA appears at the gate again.)

SANDRA: Need a handkerchief?

(GWEN turns her head away until she’s got her face cleaned up.)

GWEN: Ah, no. I’m okay.

SANDRA: Anyway. Where’d you learn to do that?

GWEN: …what?

(SANDRA twirls her fingers around her face.)

SANRA: You know. That little… clearing out, just now.

GWEN: I— don’t know what you’re talking about.

SANDRA: Ha! Sure you don’t. But no worries, I’m cool.

(GWEN stares, nervous.)

SANDRA: I mean, it’s okay. I know about magic.

GWEN: You… you do?

SANDRA: Oh, sure. I’ve been around a little bit, you know. I’ve seen a few things.

GWEN: Oh… I just learned. Not how to do it— not really, anyway. I mean, I just learned it exists.

SANDRA: Well. Everybody’s got to learn sometime, right? What do you think of it?

GWEN: I’m not sure yet. I… I don’t think I’m very good at it.

SANDRA: Eh. It’s tough stuff. You’ll get better, probably.

GWEN: I don’t know if I should be talking about this with you. I mean, I don’t know you.

SANDRA: Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I guess I should have already done this. I’m Sandy.

(She extends her hand, but GWEN makes no move to approach.)

GWEN: I’m Gwen. How do you know about this… this stuff?

SANDRA: Well… your teacher’s not the only person in the world with a little knowhow.

GWEN: Do you mean… are you one too? A… a witch?

SANDRA: I knew you’d figure it out sooner or later.

GWEN: But… why are you here? Why now?

SANDRA: Well— don’t you think there’s a reason that you’re just learning about all this now?

GWEN: What do you mean?

SANDRA: I mean, it can’t be a coincidence, can it? You coming into your own powers… and the change in the energy, in the environment.

GWEN: What kind of changes?

SANDRA: Can’t you feel it?

(Pause.)

SANDRA: Oh. Well. I guess your aunt didn’t teach you how to do that yet.

GWEN: How’d you know it was my aunt?

SANDRA: Well… everybody knows she’s a witch. It’s pretty common knowledge around here. So… I’m surprised she didn’t tell you. About how to feel magic around you.

(Pause.)

SANDRA: I wonder why not.

GWEN: Maybe she hasn’t gotten to it yet.

SANDRA: Yeah. Maybe.

(Pause.)

SANDRA: You know… if you ever decide you want to know more… maybe more than your auntie is telling you. Just let me know. I don’t want to overstep, but… these are your powers too. You have a right to know about them.

GWEN: Thanks, but… I’m not sure what I think.

SANDRA: No problem. I got you. If you ever do decide… just say the word.

GWEN: How?

SANDRA: Don’t worry. You’ll find me.

(She turns and saunters away.)