Written for OLWG#188
Exploring the stalls and barrows I came across a crone offering pastries home baked
The flaky crust and coarse sugar dusting of an apple-centric tart intrigued me
In my pocket I found ₡200 and I held it out pointing to my choice
The old woman presented me my prize and waved away the crumpled bills I held
I bowed in thanks
I took a bite
Closed my eyes to savour the flavour and felt something happen
Something that had never happened before
Not without the aid of codeine or cleaning products
I felt my hair grow
I opened my eyes and the hag was holding up a mirror
My reflection showed a younger me
Long red hair gone the grey
Thinner
Fitter
My eyes widened amazed
Did this I pointed at the apple tart
Do that I pointed at myself in the mirror
The gammer nodded and reached for the tart as she lowered the looking glass
I pulled the pastry back
She shook her finger at me like a primary school teacher and held out her hand
Reluctantly, I returned it as she demanded
She smiled at me
I smiled back
She waved me away
I turned to leave
Wait I blurted your cake made me younger
“It did,” she said
And then she was gone
This week’s prompts were:
- the magic of your wares
- they did
- it’s what I do between the bars
