For those just tuning in, this challenge is about taking a story idea from bare bones idea into a fully fledged story by writing consistently every week day for fifteen minutes. The sentence I end with on one day, is the sentence I start with on the following. Part one was Bob’s story and has nothing whatsoever to do with the story below. Part Two follows a character named Penelope. I have a few basic sentences to act as road marks on her journey. I am loosely calling that an outline. We will see where she ends up by the time the story is done. For now, we start Part two of the 2025 Fifteen Minute Writing Challenge.
She swirled honey into her cup and favored Penelope with an amused look. “Personally I always think that they are less predictive of abilities and more people interpret later to suit what they want to believe.” She shrugged. “But some believe in their predictive nature. Either way your dreams are likely to be strange for a while. You will no doubt also find yourself drawn to things in the waking world. Interests that suddenly feel almost like a compulsion or a growing obsession almost. These tend to tie more reliably to your magic waking up.”
“I see,” Penelope said. She had never thought of herself as having magic and therefore had never even thought of it waking up or becoming active. Magic was not something she ever really thought about at all.
“If you find you have questions I am more than happy to assist with finding answers,” Mrs. Merryweather said.
“Thank you,” Penelope said wondering if this was why the woman chose to visit. “At the moment most of the questions I have lie in identifying the plants still growing in the roof top greenhouse so I don’t accidentally poison myself.”
Mrs. Merryweather laughed. “I’m afraid with that I am fairly useless. Tonics and tinctures were never my thing. I am sure I can help you find someone to help sort you out though.” A thoughtful look crossed her face. “Actually I can think of several someone’s who might be appropriate. However I did wish to speak with you before you started making your introductions to the magical community.”
“And this is why you stopped by?” Penelope asked. She finished fixing her own cup and lifted it to her lips. Mrs. Merryweather nodded and took a sip of her tea.
“I promised your mother that if anything were to happen to her I would assist in anyway I can. Just as she promised to do the same for my boys should anything happen to me.”
“I see,” Penelope said.
“I’m afraid I couldn’t do much as you were coming up. Mostly I let the family connection stand with your father and his wife, making sure they knew it was on your behalf. I hoped that would help cause them to treat you well. I also worked with the solicitor to ensure the funds left to you were not used elsewhere. I was left in charge of them legally of course until you came of age.” She pursed her lips as though biting back words. She took a sip of her tea and relaxed slightly.
“Thankfully that is over. You have left home for good?” she asked.
“I have,” Penelope said. “All of the change of address forms have been filed.”
“Good,” Mrs. Merryweather said. “I will let the others know. Most of us kept ties for your benefit. Especially after your mother died.”
“For my benefit,” Penelope repeated.
Mrs. Merryweather nodded. She took a sip of tea and then set the cup and saucer down. She took a deep breath as though diving into a deep pond. She looked at Penelope. “Your mother’s death wasn’t an accident.”
Penelope stared at the woman trying to process her words.
Ten til Midnight 