The next few weeks developed into a comfortable routine. Class in the morning, lunch on campus or at Good Vibrations where Josh was playing, reading in the basement, and dinner at Josh’s, Clarrie’s, or my place, which featured stimulating lively conversations about music, quantum patterns, and the cosmos at large.

It was a simple life, and immensely enriching. Who would have thought that a little magician from a small town would turn out to be an intelligent woman having conversations that could shape the world? I was no longer using magic, but I could see magic all around me.

I was in love with my studies, my routine, and my friends. The world had opened up more than I could possibly imagine, and for the first time in a long time I was happy.

One grey day when Josh and Clarrie were working through lunch time, I decided to have lunch at The Republic by myself. The spiced pumpkin soup warmed my heart as I stared outside at the rain. When the rain eased, I decided it was a good time to make my way to the library. I shivered as I got up. I looked around. The cold was clearly getting to me.

Walking past several cafes and shops on campus, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up as a few raindrops landed on me. I hurried to get inside, but before I made it to the door I felt a large hand over my face, and my body was pulled behind the library. I couldn’t see. I couldn’t shout. I was turned around.

“Shhh,” Mr Bishop said.

I was shaking uncontrollably.

“What have you been saying about me?” his face was too close to mine.

I was unable to come up with a response.

“I’ve been searching for you. At least three councillors are after me. A landlord too.”

I was not surprised, but I remained frozen.

“Come with me. Now. We must go.”

“What?” I asked.

“They will come for you too Arcadia,” he said.

“I live here now. This is my life now. This is not my problem,” I said. “Stop following me.”

I broke free and ran.

“I know you’ve been talking!” he shouted.