The Witches of Golden Years

"Lady of the Moon and Horned God, we seek your blessings tonight. We offer you flowers and grain grown by our own hands. May our offerings be pleasing to you, and may Gloria's grandson gain admittance to Stanford."

The candle flames flared higher as the wheat and flowers were held over them and consumed. The coven prepared to complete the blessing spell, as their leader intoned, "The offering has been made, so mote it be. Our coven, as always, gives thanks to thee."

Just as their leader was completing the incantation, a second voice was heard, "And please let my tomato plants be fruitful this year."

The head of the coven threw back her hood in annoyance, "Mabel, how many times have we talked to you about hijacking someone else's blessing for your damn tomato plants? This blessing is for Gloria's grandson. Put together your own for your plants."

"But I just planted them, and the aphids ate them clean away last year," Mabel replied petulantly. "They need all the help they can get."

Gertrude sighed audibly. She'd never led such a fractured, backstabbing coven. People became so selfish in their old age. "Mabel, if you try to steal one more blessing, I'm kicking you out of the coven. Got it?"

Mabel pouted but nodded her head, "Fine. But you won't be our leader forever, Gertrude. You don't have that much life left in you, you know."

"More than you, Mabel, more than you." Gertrude bent over to blow out the ceremonial candles. "That's it for today, everyone. Please remember to submit your requests for the next blessing circle at least a week ahead of time. Late requests will not be included and will have to wait until the next circle." She glared pointedly at Mabel during this last sentence. Mabel couldn't do anything on time to save her life. She probably would be late to her own funeral.

One of the warlocks turned on the lights in the rec room as everyone took off their ceremonial robes. The group quickly reorganized the room; bingo would be starting soon, so everything had to be put back into place before the staff came to set up.

Gertrude strolled back to her room to rest for a few minutes before evening activities. It was true that she wasn't as quick and agile as she'd once been, but she had life in her yet.

As she touched up her makeup, Gertrude reflected on her situation. She'd agreed to move to the Golden Years Retirement Home at the request of her children. They had been quick to point out how close it was to their homes, and they'd promised to visit frequently, a promise they kept at first. The visits had become less frequent as the months passed, though, and now it had been a month since she'd last seen her son or her daughter.

Still, there was plenty to keep her occupied. She'd begun dating Arthur, one of the other residents. He was 5 years older than her but still spry. And, of course, she had quickly challenged the previous head of the coven and taken over as leader.

The coven certainly kept her on her toes. With death so close, members routinely turned to any means to prolong their lives just a little. She had to ward her cosmetics and medicines to prevent tampering, and she had to check beneath her bed every night to ensure no one had snuck a talisman underneath. Checking beneath her pillows and mattress had become part of her nighttime ritual.

As she put on her gold earrings, Gertrude felt a sudden rush of energy and smiled. Clearly, one of her rivals had decided to take a nap before bingo and forgot to check under their mattress. As she felt their life force flowing into her, Gertrude knew she'd gained a little more time of her own.