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“Look around you. There are souvenir shops everywhere.”
“No. I mean a Voodoo shop.”
I try not to drop my jaw. “All right. I’ll call Mémé and ask her to recommend the best place.”
She grabs my arm. “Perfect, and then I want to see more of the city. Show me everything. I’ll even try that Pimm cup you were talking about.”
“You mean Pimm’s cup.”
“Right. Yes.”
I text Mémé quickly, and she gives me an address to a shop not too far from where we are.
As we walk into Odette’s Botanica, I inhale the smoky aroma of incense. The smell is familiar. Mémé burns it all the time. The walls of the small shop are lined with shelves filled with candles, herbs, oils, and crystals.
Mary walks in with her eyes wide.
“Good afternoon,” a young woman with blue hair says. “Welcome. Can I help you find anything?”
I nod to Mary.
“I’m really just looking,” Mary says. “I was just at the Voodoo museum. It’s all so interesting.”
The woman smiles and walks out from behind the register. “I’m Veronica.”
“Mary.” She shakes Veronica’s hand.
“We have a large selection of Voodoo and spiritual supplies,” Veronica says, “including candles for different intentions and purposes, such as love, prosperity, and protection. You can also find herbs and oils that are commonly used in Voodoo and other spiritual practices, as well as crystals and other items believed to have spiritual and healing properties.”
“Wonderful,” Mary says. “Is it okay to just look around?”
“Of course. And if you’re interested in learning more about Voodoo and spiritual practices, you can sign up for one of our workshops or classes. These classes cover a range of topics, including Voodoo history and traditions, herbalism, and candle magic.”
“Amazing,” Mary breathes. “I’m from New York. This is all new to me.”
“How long will you be here?” Veronica asks.
Mary sighs. “I leave tomorrow, so I’m going to cram everything I can in today.”
I open my mouth to mention that she doesn’t have to leave tomorrow, but then I think better of it.
I can’t push Mary into doing anything she doesn’t want to do.
She gazes over the shelves, picks up a crystal wand, and strokes it with her fingers.
“That’s rose quartz,” Veronica says. “For love.”
Mary’s cheek pink, and she sets the crystal down. “Do you have any books about Voodoo?”
“Of course.” She pulls a paperback off one of the shelves. “This is a good one for beginners.”
Mary glides her hands over the book’s glossy cover. “I’ll take this.” She retrieves the crystal wand. “And this. It’s just so beautiful.”
“Absolutely. Anything else?”
“Just these two for now, thanks.”
Veronica rings up Mary’s purchases, and I hand her a credit card, but Mary stops me.
