Chapter 37

As Heather turned around to look at the source of the voice, Mathilda was standing at the entrance, gazing at the woman she had helped. It was through her she now learned that her name was Mabel. However, at present, what concerned her most was Mathilda's contemplative stare on her face. Further, while Heather looked a little lost and was attempting to make sense of what she had learned, Mabel had an enthusiastic smile on her face.
“Is everything alright here?” Mathilda asked, bringing everyone out of their thoughts. Her face may have appeared gentle, but apprehension was clearly visible in her eyes. Her physique looked to be somewhat stiff, and she had a little scowl on her face. It seemed like Heather was not supposed to discover Mabel, or maybe Mathilda was being protective of Mabel.
There were countless number of possibilities, and she did not have a conclusion to it as of yet.
“While I was leaving, I heard some noise.” Heather tried to justify her presence in the cottage. But Mabel came into her defence and continued to speak on behalf of her.
“So she came in here to check and helped me with the shifting of the box.”
“Mabel, you should have called out to us. I do not like you doing all the work alone.” Mathilda said softly. It was quite apparent that Mabel was dear to her.
“I did not want to bother any of you. Moreover, it did not take much effort to move this box as Heather was quick to rescue me with the heavy lifting at the right time. She is a wonderful woman.”
“I am glad she was present there to your aid. Heather is new to Warsavor and is working alongside us.” Mathilda nodded.
“She mentioned that she is a healer, and I have no doubt she is excellent at it,” Mabel said with a proud smile, which only made Heather's predicament worse.
“Warsavor needs someone like, and it feels like it has found her,” Mathilda remarked as she approached them, standing beside Heather. She gently touched her arm, showing her appreciation.
However, Mabel shook her head at Mathilda's words as she corrected her, “Or rather, she finally found her way to Warsavor. To us.”
“I should probably leave,” Heather said, looking uncomfortable. Unlike before, she did not feel at ease now, especially with the conversation they were having. Previously she was a bit frightened by the stranger who knew so much about her, but at the same time, she could not help but also feel a connection to the lady. However, with Mathilda in the room, she felt an invasion of privacy. There were things she would like to discuss with Mabel in private, but now it would have to wait. However, one thing was certain: Mathilda and Mabel knew something and were purposely keeping her out of the loop. Their current conversation was enough indication to prove her thoughts.
“On a condition that you would come and visit me,” Mabel said as she took a step forward towards her.
Heather did not want to make an unwarranted intrusion, so she looked delicately at Mathilda for approval, who nodded with an assuring smile. Even though Heather was still not fully comforted and hesitant to meet Mabel again, yet she knew that she would be the key to her locked life.
“Heather, you can visit my friend whenever you like. Now that you have already met her, we could have frequent tea or meals together. Mabel is an incredible woman. I will be honest that quite a few people find her bizarre, but she poses no threat to them. I will warn you that some of the people do call her name and have a prejudiced opinion of her but pay no heed to their remarks if you come across her. If Mabel wishes for you to be here, then you should if you want to.”
Mabel and Mathilda both noticed that Heather was wallowing in uncertainty. They were sure that there were several things she was not able to make sense of. So to make her comfortable and clear some of her doubts, Mathilda spoke, “I know you have your doubts about her, but Mabel is my dear friend who has been residing with us for a long time now. People often mistook her because of her unexplained abilities, but she has the best interest of everyone in her heart. In fact, in a way, she is a healer just like you.”
“Same as me?” Heather asked.
She was taken aback by the phrase Mathilda used. Since she has experienced it herself, she was aware of how people often assess others only on the basis of their abilities, so she didn't want to be unjust to Mabel.
“Yes. Just how you heal the physical pain, she….” But Heather completed her sentence.
“She heals souls.”
"It is entirely accurate." Mathilda agreed with a nod.
However, Mabel did not entirely agree with her friend making Heather look at her. “Not entirely. While you have not yet fully grasped it, Heather, you have the capacity to cure people's souls. Give it some time, and if you wish, I can assist you.”
"You would?" She asked with surprise.
"It would bring me nothing but joy."
Heather was still hesitant but nonetheless nodded in response, “I would like that.”
“I should leave now,” Heather said softly.
Before Heather had a chance to shift her feet and head for the cottage door, Mabel swiftly embraced her. It was not too tight to make breathing difficult for her but snug enough to spread the warmth. The only person who had made her feel in a similar way was Alexander.
She was more shocked, though, by the fact that Mabel emanated the same amount of affection that Alexander had.
Was that even possible? Mabel stood out from everyone she had ever met because there was something distinctive about her. She felt a connection to her in some way. She wasn't sure whether it had anything to do with Mabel's ability or her soul, but she was certain that she would do everything in her power to find that out.
"Heather, I appreciate your assistance. If you ever need me, you know where to find me. There might be troubles, obstacles, and even a number of new questions, along with ones you are already seeking answers to, but one must be patient. Now that you are here, the truth will find its way to you.” Mabel murmured as she tenderly stroked her face.
“You know this because you are a psychic,” Heather said quietly. The phrase was more of a confirmation than an inquiry.
“Yes, dear. You learned that, right.”
Then turning around, Heather walked away from Hans' house and the cottage. Even though today had been beautiful, she was ultimately only rewarded with a great deal of conflict and more questions about her own identity as well as that of Mabel.