**An Unforgettable Celebration: The Return of the Restaurant**
I returned home with my husband, James, after celebrating my birthday at a lovely restaurant in London. The evening had been wonderfulfilled with family, friends, and colleagues. Many of them were strangers to me, but if James had invited them, he must have had his reasons.
Ive never been one to question his decisions. I loathe arguments, preferring peace over proving a point. Its just easier that way.
Emily, do you have the flat keys handy? Can you grab them? James asked as we stood at the door.
I rummaged through my handbag, searching for the keys. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my finger, and I jerked my hand so violently that my bag tumbled to the floor.
Whats wrong? James frowned.
Something pricked me.
With the state of your bag, Im not surprised.
I didnt argue. I picked it up, carefully retrieved the keys, and we stepped inside. By then, Id already forgotten the incident. My feet ached, exhaustion weighed on me, and all I wanted was a hot shower and bed.
The next morning, I woke to a throbbing pain in my fingernow swollen and red. Remembering the night before, I searched my bag thoroughly. Buried at the bottom was a large, rusted needle.
What on earth?
I couldnt fathom how it got there. Tossing it aside, I bandaged the wound and left for work. But by midday, I was feverish, my head pounding, my body as though Id been beaten. I called James.
James, I dont know whats wrong. I feel awfulfever, body aches. I found a rusty needle in my bag.
You should see a doctor. It could be tetanusor worse.
Dont worry. I cleaned it. Ill be fine.
But I wasnt. Hour by hour, I grew weaker. Barely making it through the day, I hailed a cab home and collapsed onto the sofa, slipping into a deep sleep.
In my dream, I saw my grandmother, Margaret, whod passed when I was young. Though I scarcely remembered her face, I knew it was herstooped with age but radiating kindness. She led me through a field, pointing out herbs I needed to brew a tea that would purge the darkness creeping through me. She warned me someone wished me harm, but to confront them, I had to survive. Time was running out.
I woke drenched in cold sweat. Only minutes had passed. The front door openedJames. His face paled when he saw me.
Good God, Emilylook at yourself!
I stumbled to the mirror. The smiling, vibrant woman from yesterday was gone. In her place stood a hollow-eyed stranger, hair tangled, face gaunt.
Whats happening to me?
Then I remembered the dream. James, my grandmother came to me. She told me what to do
Emily, get dressed. Were going to hospital.
No. She said doctors cant help me.
We arguedthe first real fight wed ever had. James called me mad for trusting a dream, even grabbing my arm to drag me out.
If you wont go willingly, Ill make you.
I wrenched free, lost my balance, and struck the edge of the table. James stormed out, slamming the door. Weakly, I texted my boss, saying I needed sick leave.
James returned near midnight, apologetic. I whispered, Take me to Grandmothers village tomorrow.
The next morning, I looked more corpse than woman. James pleaded, Emily, dont be stubborn. I cant lose you.
But we drove to the villagea place I hadnt seen since childhood. Half-asleep, I jolted awake as we neared. There.
Staggering from the car, I collapsed into the grass, yet I knew this was the spot from my dream. I gathered the herbs, and we returned home. James brewed the tea as Id instructed. With each sip, strength trickled back.
Later, in the bathroom, I saw my urine had turned black. Instead of fear, I whispered, The darkness is leaving
That night, Margaret returned. She explained someone had cursed me with the needle. The tea bought me time, but I had to uncover the culpritand James was involved. If only Id kept the needle, she couldve told me more.
Buy a box of needles, she said. Recite this over the largest: *Spirits of night, before you rest, hear me, shades, reveal the truth. Surround me, guide me, find my foe* Place it in Jamess bag. Whoever harmed you will prick themselvesand well know.
She faded like mist.
By morning, though weak, I felt steadier. James stayed home, fretting, until I insisted on going alone to the shops.
Emily, you can barely stand!
James, make me soup. Im starving after this bug.
That night, I slipped the needle into his bag. Before bed, he asked, Sure youll be alright?
Ill be fine.
The next day, I waited anxiously. When he returned, I asked, How was your day?
Fine. Why?
Just as I thought the plan had failed, he added, Odd thingIrina from accounting tried helping me with my keys today. She pricked herself on a needle in my bag. She was furious.
Whats between you and Irina?
Emily, dont. I love *you*. Irinas just a colleague.
Was she at the restaurant?
Yes, but
Then it clicked. The rusted needle in my bag*she* put it there.
James went to make dinner. That night, Margaret returned, revealing Irinas plan: eliminate me, take my place. Shed stop at nothing.
I did as Margaret instructed. Days later, James mentioned Irina was on medical leavegravely ill, doctors baffled.
That weekend, we visited Margarets grave in the village churchyard. I cleared the weeds, laid flowers, and whispered, Im sorry I stayed away. You saved me. Ill visit more.
A gentle breeze brushed my shoulderslike an embrace. When I turned, no one was there. Just the wind.
