Violet's Arc

Chapter 8 of 10

With the journal closed and the cup finished, Violet stepped back outside. The rumor she had planted was already pulling the curious neighbor and her friend toward the far stall, where the keeper waved bright jars and spoke of an early spice cart. Violet had a clean window now. She meant to use it. At the small outdoor tea station, she scrubbed her kettle again, rinsing every trace of the last brew from its sides. She set it upside down to dry on the wooden counter. Her hands were steady. Her plan was tight. She crossed the garden and slipped behind the lilac hedge. Its thick blossoms hung low and full, hiding her shoulders as she moved. She reached the quiet shelter, drew a second jar of deep purple honey, and capped it tight. No voices. No footsteps. Only bees. Violet returned to her worktable with the new jar in hand. The bitterness inside her had not moved, but the supply was hers now, secured and unseen. She set the honey beside the journal and opened to a fresh page. Adjustment eighteen could begin.