Move In Day

The week flew by in a blur of activity as Reuben prepared the studio for Giselle’s big move. He spent his evenings after work cleaning and putting the finishing touches on the space, ensuring it was perfect for her arrival. To make the move smoother, he enlisted the help of Evan and Ryder, turning the occasion into a team effort. Fortunately, Giselle didn’t have much to bring, having ordered a new bed, couch, and television that had been delivered to the shop the day before. Most of her personal items — clothes, toiletries, and electronics — fit neatly into her trusty 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. She had been moving small boxes throughout the week, easing the transition and lightening the load for moving day.

As Giselle pulled up to the Rothmore estate, Evan was already waiting outside, waving enthusiastically. “Hey, Giselle! Welcome!” he called, striding toward the car.

Giselle smiled as she stepped out, making her way to the trunk. “Hey, Evan. Thanks so much for this,” she said, unlocking the car.

“Of course! It’s really our pleasure. Anything to help you get settled. The washer and dryer were just delivered so I’m about to go set them up” Evan replied, grabbing a small box from the trunk and heading through the front gate toward the backyard studio.

Giselle slung her purse over her shoulder, grabbing a couple of garbage bags filled with odds and ends from the back seat. As she moved around to the trunk of the car once more, Reuben and Ryder appeared from the main house, eager to help.

“Greetings, Giselle!” Ryder called from the porch, floating gracefully toward the car after Reuben.  “How may I assist?”

Giselle chuckled at his impeccable manners. “Hey, Ryder. How about taking this?” she asked, holding out a table lamp and its shade, separated for the move.

With a nod, Ryder cast a levitation spell, lifting the items into the air as if by invisible hands. “Consider it done,” he said, floating off toward the studio, the lamp bobbing in the air behind him.

Giselle shook her head with a smile. “What can’t he do?” she remarked to Reuben. “Also, thank you again for everything. This mean’s the world to me.”

“Honestly, I’m convinced he can do anything. I’m still in awe of him sometimes.” Reuben chuckled, patting her shoulder warmly. ”And you don’t have to keep thanking me, you know. I’m just glad to see how much this means to you. Having your own space is so important — I remember how freeing it felt when I first left home.”

Giselle’s heart swelled with gratitude. For the first time in years, she felt a deep sense of peace. She reached into the back seat to retrieve a tall floor mirror, carefully wrapped for the journey. It had belonged to her mother and was one of her most treasured possessions.

After a few trips to and fro, the group finally finished. Inside the studio, Evan had just completed setting up the washer and dryer that had arrived earlier that morning. Ryder had levitated the few remaining boxes into the corner of the room. While Reuben and Giselle carried in a large ornate mirror before setting it down in a huff.

Giselle walked the mirror in a corner of the room, stepping back to admire it. “Well, that’s everything,” she said, turning to the others. “Thank you all so much for your help. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”

”Don’t mention it,” Evan said with a grin. “Now, have fun unpacking!” He gave her a friendly wave before heading out with Reuben.

“Yes, and don’t hesitate to let us know if you need anything. Have a great night!” Reuben said, following after Evan.

“It was truly our pleasure,” Ryder added with a small bow, his gaze lingering on the mirror. “What a beautiful piece.”

Giselle smiled, walking back over to the mirror and tracing its decorated frame with her finger.. “Yeah, it was my mother’s. I always loved seeing her reflection in—”

“Reflection!” Ryder interrupted suddenly, his eyes lighting up.

“Excuse me?” Giselle questioned, startled by his outburst.

“Apologies…reflection…” Ryder repeated, his voice urgent. “It has to be…the word is reflection — it’s speaking of a mirror, no doubt!” Without another word, he floated quickly out the door, popping back in momentarily to say, “Giselle, thank you! You’re brilliant!”

Confused but amused, Giselle watched him go, shaking her head with a chuckle. Walking over to close the door behind him. As the door clicked shut, she turned back to the mirror. Her reflection stared back, steady and calm. She reached out to trace the edge of the frame, her fingers brushing against its curved surface.

“Mom,” she whispered, her voice soft and trembling. “I’m okay. I’m finally okay.”

She let out a deep, steadying breath. The weight she had carried for years seemed to lift, leaving her lighter than she had ever felt. For the first time in a long time, Giselle felt truly free.