Set in the not-so-far-distant future.

Fawn

I suppose I should tell you right from the start, I am a witch. Does that shock you? Did you think all witches were old and wrinkled with warts on their noses? I can show you the brand if you want. But, you don't really need to see that thing, do you? I'd rather not take the makeup off. It took a long time to put it on. I’m 21, and I’ve been told I was quite beautiful. I’m not trying to brag here, but I do have a portfolio and I did some modeling once back before people found out about my religion. But, that’s not the point. The point is, I am a witch. My mother is a witch. My grandmother is a witch. As far as I know, all the women in my family have been witches. So I come by it naturally.

Now, I can’t twitch my nose and make things happen like that witch on TV used to do. But, then again, maybe I can. I don’t know. I never tried. My particular brand of witchcraft is more of the green kitchen witch variety. I know a lot about herbs and stuff for healing. What I do used to be called wortcunning. I know this because my great great great, I don’t know how many greats, grandmother was the healer in a small village in Scotland and that is what she did, according to our family Book of Shadows. I guess I follow in her footsteps. All I know is that, back in the days before the Dark Man took over, I would have been a doctor in my own right.

I’ve read about the time before the Dark Man, when people had all kinds of freedoms. They could get any job they wanted, no matter what sex they were or what religion they followed. Women had the right to choose whether or not they wanted to have children. They had choices in what job they wanted to follow. Women were more than models or mothers. More than nurses. Women could actually do the things that only men do now. No, really. I can see you don't believe me. But, my great grandmother has some old newspapers. That's what they called newsies back then. Newspapers. And, they told about stuff that really happened. Not like the newsies now that only tell you what the Dark Man wants you to hear. But anyway, these newspapers that great grandmother has show stuff about women firemen and doctors and everything. I'm not lying. I really saw some once.

I’ve even heard that witches were free to follow their religion without being afraid of being put in prison or shot down for fun, like my aunt. I don’t know about that part, though. I think the stories have been exaggerated. I have seen stories in the old newspapers of women doctors, though, and if that part is true, then maybe the rest of the stories are true, too.

It’s said the Dark Man cheated his way into power. But, those that say that say it in whispers. No one says anything bad about him in public. Those that do just disappear. I heard from my grandmother that the people used to have the right to say who led them. I don’t know whether to believe that or not. I mean, how would they decide who to put into power? She said something about the people voting, but I’m kind of fuzzy on the process. I guess something went wrong with that voting thing, though, because the Dark Man is where he is and has been there for more years than I can remember.

Sometimes I dream about being able to go to college like my friend’s brother, but I know that the colleges are only for boys. I dream about being a doctor sometimes, too. I know women can’t be doctors, but I said it was a dream. If we are going to talk about dreams and stuff, I should tell you what my favorite dream is. I wonder what it would be like to walk down the street in public, in the daylight, and not have to hide from the Blue Coats. I was branded a witch two years ago, and I haven’t been able to walk in public since then. Yes, my picture is in every mailman’s truck and it is the civic duty of every public worker to call the Blue Coats if they see me. I try not to let anyone see me, but I had to slip out tonight. You'll see why in a minute. But, first, I want you to know that I know what I am doing. I am a witch, but I also know my herbs and my medicines.

I still see a few people in secret. Once even a Blue Coat’s wife came to me to get a packet of horehound to help her child’s cough. I tell you, I had a few sleepless days then when I found out who she was. I was sure she would turn me in to her husband and the other Blue Coats for the Witch Reward. I had to make a potion of valerian for myself that day. Most of my “patients” (I love using that word, makes me feel like a real doctor), are poor people who can’t afford to go see a regular doctor. They give me food and clothes in exchange for the precious packets of herbs I give them. I don’t have any real money, but I always manage to get by. The Goddess provides for Her own.

I have a secret garden only my mother knows about. The dirt is actually dirt, straight from Mother Earth. No oil or garbage in it, like the dirt you see outside. Plants like to grow in it. I know that’s hard to believe, but I swear it’s true. No, I won’t tell you where it is. Do you think I’m nuts? No, I don’t think you would turn me in to the Blue Coats, but it’s best not to take any chances.

Anyways, my mother says I run around Pluto before coming back to Earth every time I open my mouth. I guess that’s her way of saying I ramble on a bit. I guess I do. It’s just that I’m so excited to meet someone like you. I mean, I never thought I would ever be talking to someone like you, up close and personal like this. If my grandmother could see me now, she would be so proud. But, there I go, rambling again. I should tell you why I’m here. .....................................





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