The Mystery of the Harvest Moon Charm
A Willowbrook Story
By Nyx Halliwell
©2024
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Willowbrook, a picturesque town nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, exudes an enchanting charm with its cobblestone streets and cozy cottages. This welcoming community is a place where the magic of everyday life flourishes.
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Ember, Willowbrook’s beloved librarian, was just about to sit down at her desk with her coffee when she noticed something strange. Tiny yellow, orange, and purple flowers had sprouted along the bottom of the bookshelves, their delicate petals pushing through cracks in the wooden floorboards. A trail of autumn leaves drifted through the aisles as if blown in by an unseen breeze despite the library's tightly shut windows.
Frowning, Ember followed the trail of leaves and flowers to a shelf in the back corner. Nestled between two well-worn tomes, an extensive, weathered almanac sat waiting, looking oddly out of place. The cover was faded green with faint gold lettering reading “The Willowbrook Almanac of Agricultural Wisdom.”
Curious, she pulled it from the shelf. As she flipped through its worn, ivory pages, something shiny caught her eye. Nestled within the pages was a small bronze charm in the shape of a full moon engraved with intricate swirling patterns and tiny symbols. When she touched it, it felt warm, almost alive.
She held it up, examining it closely. “What is this?”
Oliver walked past the end of the aisle, carrying a stack of books. He paused when he saw her. “What did you find?”
She showed him the charm. “It was in this old almanac. Wonder who left it there?”
Oliver drew close, studying it. “It’s an antique, that’s for sure. Very curious. Want to ask Mrs. Grayson about it?”
Ember nodded, slipping the charm into her pocket. “Good idea. I’ll bring the almanac, too.”
Clover, Ember’s kitten, came with them to Mrs. Grayson’s Enchanted Emporium, where dried herbs, charms, and various curiosities were for sale. When they arrived, she was sorting a stack of jars.
“Oh, hello, my friends,” Mrs. Grayson greeted them with a smile. “Can you get you some tea and cookies?”
“I’d love some,” Oliver said, and Clover purred her agreement.
But Ember elbowed him and held out the charm. “We wondered if you knew what this is?”
Mrs. Grayson’s face lit up. “Where did you find that?”
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