Grace entered the living room, skillfully balancing a tray of water in her hand.
"Let me give you a hand," Miguel offered, rising from his seat and approaching her.
He gently took the tray, placed it on the coffee table in front of the sofa, and resumed his seat.
"What a courteous and delightful gentleman you are. Thank you," Grace replied with appreciation as she settled into her armchair a few feet away.
She placed her cane on the floor beside the chair and redirected her gaze to the window on her right.
Listening intently to the storm outside, she whistled softly before commenting, "The weather appears to be worsening. I doubt the rain will subside anytime soon."
Turning her attention back to Hazel and Miguel, she added, "You both must be quite eager to see me tonight. Not even this weather could deter your plans."
Hazel and Miguel exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to view it as a compliment or feel somewhat embarrassed.
"Nonetheless!" Grace sighed and adjusted her position in her chair. She began her inquiry, "So, tell me, what brings you here tonight?"
Hazel set her glass down on the table and explained with a heavy heart, "My husband and I have been married for ten years, and we have enjoyed a happy and tranquil life together. We are grateful for the many blessings we've received. However, there is one aspiration that remains unfulfilled: having a child of our own."
"Could you clarify what you mean?" Grace asked.
Miguel interjected, "What my wife is trying to convey is that we've been attempting to conceive for years. We've consulted multiple doctors and tried various treatments, yet we remain unable to have a child. That is why we have come to seek your assistance tonight."
The depth of their story weighed heavily on Grace's heart, though she maintained a professional demeanor and continued her questioning, "How long have you been facing these challenges?"
"Approximately eight years," Hazel responded.
"My condolences," Grace offered. "And what do you both do for a living?"
"I own a coffee shop, and my husband manages his own dental practice," Hazel explained.
"Wonderful. But what have the doctors advised regarding your complications?"
"Well," Hazel sighed softly, "they stated that both of us are healthy and that all tests came back normal. They suggested it might simply not be the right time and encouraged us to maintain our hope and keep trying. They assured us that one day we would conceive. Yet, as time passes, I am growing older, and my chances are diminishing."
"If the doctors have been unable to assist you, what makes you believe I can help?" Grace inquired, crossing her arms in a skeptical manner.
Hazel seemed taken aback by the question, momentarily at a loss for words.
Miguel quickly replied, "We've heard numerous remarkable stories about you, the way you have helped many in need, with many successes. We thought perhaps you could assist us as well."
"But... no one has ever approached me with such a request. Are you sure you are prepared for this?" Grace asked.
Miguel interjected, his tone laced with frustration, "Pardon my insistence, but if my wife and I have braved this storm to be here tonight, it signifies that we are ready for a child."
"That's not my concern," Grace responded swiftly to clarify. "What I'm implying is that you're delving into matters of the unknown. It's a perilous venture, and things may not proceed as planned."
"What do you mean by that?" Miguel inquired, confusion evident in his expression.
Grace uncrossed her arms and clarified, "I wish to convey that you are requesting something that involves dark forces. It is a significant risk with potentially severe consequences."
Miguel stated confidently, "Regardless of the risks, my wife and I are prepared to face them."
"Are you genuinely certain about that?" Grace asked, raising an eyebrow to ensure he was resolute in his commitment.
"Yes, ma'am, we are," Hazel affirmed. "As my husband reiterated, we are willing to confront the risks that come with our decision. Our desire is to complete our family, and we see you as our last hope."
They began earnestly pleading with Grace for assistance.
Grace straightened in her chair, contemplating the mixed emotions swirling within her. To assist them in having a child would necessitate invoking dark forces—a profoundly dangerous endeavor, especially as it would be her first attempt without knowledge of the possible outcomes. The uncertainty loomed large.
Yet, the desperation in their voices and the sorrow reflected in their eyes made it exceedingly difficult for her to decline their request. After a moment of contemplation, she finally sighed, "Very well, I will attempt to help."
Hazel and Miguel's faces lit up with joy as they repeatedly expressed their gratitude.
"Alright, let us proceed," Grace stated with authority.
Hazel and Miguel quieted, attentively ready to listen.
Grace pointed toward a door and instructed them, "Please enter the closet I am indicating. Remove all clothing and accessories, leaving everything inside before returning here."
"Everything?" Miguel asked, a hint of shyness in his voice.
"Why not?" Grace replied with a hint of humor. "At seventy-six, I've seen my fair share of naked bodies, including men. What makes you feel so special?"
"I apologize, ma'am," Miguel responded, slightly embarrassed.
"Nevertheless!" Grace asserted. "Now, do not linger; it is getting late, and we do not have all night."
Without further hesitation, Hazel and Miguel rose from the sofa and proceeded to the closet.
They closed the door and began to follow Grace's instructions.