The First Client

"Have a good day!" I sent the customers off with their herbs and candles. I've got my first consultation appointment in a few minutes, so might as well go through some of the notes I've been keeping behind the counter.

"Open the path to true desire. For gaining information to guide what rituals to perform. Lay hands on the subject and ask these questions..." I skim the rest of the page, already having committed most of it to memory. Half of the page was ruined years ago, but by that time Grandma's handwriting had degraded beyond legibility so the replacement page is useless to me unless I spend way more time than I currently have to decipher it. Something about 'family power' and likely tips for reading the client. The actual procedure is still intact anyways.

I check that my "reading room" is still set up, despite having done this exact check at least five times over the past hour. Yep, all good. Cozy and dark, just like I'd designed.

The electronic bell chimes loudly. I really need to get that changed, Grandma set it way too loud before she got hearing aids. A woman enters the shop, looking around before heading to meet me at the counter.

She's a couple years younger than me, if I had to guess. Probably a student at the college. "Hi, I'm Grace, I have an appointment?" She's short, wearing a heavy hoodie with fantasy game symbols on it.

"Of course, right this way." I put up a 'back soon' sign and guide her into the reading room. Lighting some candles on the antique table, I take a seat across from her.

"Did I need to bring anything? I'm sorry, I've never done something like this before. My roommate suggested I try ehh... Alternative treatments." Grace fiddles with the drawstring of her hood, embarrassed.

"Well your roommate sent you in a good direction. This consultation is a good way to start learning spiritual methods, as it lets me guide you to rituals that will serve your goals," I say, keeping a confident tone and setting up a few crystals on her side of the table. Clicking the remote dimmer switch hidden under the table, I reach my hands out as the room darkens. "Take my hands and we can begin."