Episode 1: Letter from Rose to Winifred
Bermothill, 5th August 1976
My dearest Miss Clarke,
My name is Rose Harrison. You don't know me, but I know you. I was a dear friend of your grandmother, Emma. I knew her like the back of my hand and we shared some of our fondest memories together in the house where you now live. I would walk down the path past your house almost every day. Sometimes I stayed for a while looking at the entrance, remembering our beautiful moments together. I miss her deeply.
I was nearby the day you moved into the house. You reminded me of her, your resemblance is undeniable. Since then I have seen you picking flowers, slowing down to look at butterflies and looking up at the sky smiling at the birds. Oh dear, you are so much like her.
Since last winter, however, I haven't been able to go out anymore. I fell ill. But I am not afraid, because when my time comes, I will meet my dear Emma again.
It is my wish for you to be the one who takes care of her most precious belongings. It would not be good if they fell into the wrong hands. I believe you will understand.
As you can imagine, these are just a few of the objects I treasure from my time with her. But I think they are enough for now. After all, the beauty of life lies in taking time to appreciate the details slowly and exploring what is in front of us to the fullest. Many times even the most evident becomes invisible.
Now my dear it's time for this old lady to have her rest.
Affectionately,
Rose
Episode 1: Emma's Journal, 1909
27th June 1909
It is extraordinary how the little details can change it all. Today mother sent me to the market. It was sunny with a cool breeze so I invited Rose. Aunt Florence always tells us to pay attention to our surroundings and observe the little details. So we picked little wildflowers, searched for four-leaf clovers and greeted ladybirds. At the grains stand, Mr Graven gave us some nuts for the way back. We walked along the creek and sat down for a few minutes with our eyes closed, listening to the music of the running water and the flapping of bird's wings. Rose dipped her hand into the water and took a beautiful round stone. She placed it in my basket and said "petramentum cor". I was of course not surprised by these words, I have been there myself when Aunt Florence teaches them to us, but for this one, I was, as always, curious about its meaning.
Holding hands, spinning and dancing, we began the final stretch home. ‘I wish I could spend every day like this Rose’ I told her in a voice full of despair.’ She looked at me and said again 'Petramentum cor: this stone is a token of my friendship and of all these memories that now live in your heart. You can fetch them any time you need them. Remember Aunt Florence's words. Whenever you need to lay the table, add flowers, and candles, and choose your favourite crockery and tablecloth, just like she does. Whenever you need to dust, pay attention to the dust particles dancing in the sunlight. Whenever you need to wash, pay attention to the sound of the water and how it feels on your skin and you will remember our time by the creek. And whenever you need to sweep, remember that you are my favourite witch.’