Belladonna

Halloween. This is the night when the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is the thinnest. Surely, I can bring her back. I have the ritual memorized, and I have all the ingredients ready in the proper proportions. This time, I cannot fail.

It just is not fair. She was so beautiful and so full of life. She was a gentle soul who was kind to all, and she gave so many people so much joy just by entering a room. The world is so much darker without her. How can she be gone?

On this night, I will perform an inexcusable act, but only by sacrifice can the ritual work. She must come back. You understand, don't you? The world needs her. A heinous act committed with the best of intentions is forgivable, right? I know, it didn't work before, but that was the summer solstice. The veil is not thin enough on that night regardless of the power of this rite.

The hour grows near. See my hands tremble as I light the candles and the incense. Breathe deeply; the incense will soothe you. This is special incense from far away. It is the belladonna that will soothe your fears. I can see the candle reflected in your eyes. How huge your eyes have grown! The tears in your eyes are beautiful in the firelight.

It is time to begin the ritual. Watch how I stir this in after each line of the chant. Pay attention! Your role will be coming soon. There's a good girl. I have finished adding almost all the ingredients, to the stone bowl as I stir with a birch wand. I prefer birch. It works so much better than oak or elm. Can you feel the power in the room? Now, we wait. This has to be completed perfectly, so she can come back to me.

I see that you understand what the final ingredient needs to be. I'm sorry, but I could not use a filthy creature that the world would not miss. I can only use the best for her. You will understand when it's over and you have received your everlasting reward. How you jump when I raise my knife. Look at it. It is perfectly sharp and completely clean.

I can see the fear in your eyes. Don't be afraid. Let the belladonna soothe you. I will be quick, so you do not have to suffer too much. Do not plead with me using your eyes. You should be honored to have a part in bringing that angel back to earth. There is no use in trying to appeal to me.

You see? I was as gentle as it is possible to be. You are a good girl, and you have nothing to fear. I would love to know the peace that you are feeling as you fade. Once you have completely faded, she can return. Thank you, for your sacrifice. I'm sorry if you do not understand. Are you still with me?

The veil is thin. She must be able to cross it. It cannot fail this time. I have done everything as I was instructed. I know she wants to come back to me. She didn't want to leave me! I could have rid the world of some filthy creature instead of you, and she must surely recognized your sacrifice.

What was that? Did you hear it? No, you are nearly gone. It is time. Where is she? This must work. It has to work. Did it work? Please........