The Honey Witch

In winter, Marigold celebrates her 22nd birthday alone. She enjoys her favorite fruits, teas, flowers, and pastimes by herself. She considers how her life has changed during the year. She hopes next year she will not be celebrating all alone.

Months pass. Marigold writes home about Althea’s passing. Mr. Benny helps keep customers away, so Marigold has time to grieve and experiment. Mr. Benny also helps her rearrange the cottage to her liking. Marigold writes to Aster to tell about her work and to ask if their mother is still upset.

Marigold wishes August would visit again, but he’s been away with work. Marigold wonders about Lottie and Edmund, whose company she’d welcome as well if they were easier to befriend. Marigold appreciates the company of the old cat, Cindershine, but she wishes she had someone her own age to speak with. She asks the landvættir if they can talk, but they cannot.

Across the lake, Marigold spots the flickering light again. Her intuition tells her something is wrong, but she reminds herself that Althea wasn’t worried about it.