Novel Squares
Chapter 63
Mirabella had no inkling of what was tumbling through Delilah’s mind. Once Delilah settled into her seat, Mirabella gracefully rolled up her sleeves, revealing slender fingers that found their way to Delilah’s temples, kneading them with an expertise that was neither too gentle nor too firm.
Mirabella’s touch was practiced, and any connoisseur in the room would have noticed that she targeted major pressure points on Delilah’s head with pinpoint accuracy. She even dared to manipulate a few spots that many seasoned practitioners of alternative medicine would hesitate to approach.
Delilah was initially just indulging her daughter, not wanting to hurt Mirabella’s feelings by refusing the massage, but she hadn’t expected to feel such relief in just a short while. It was more soothing than her regular sessions at the alternative medicine spa she’d been visiting for over a decade.
“Mira, have you been taking lessons or something? My headache’s almost gone with just your touch,” Delilah murmured with closed eyes, with a look of pure bliss on her face. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
Mirabella’s hands continued their dance, her voice even, “I used to do this for Grandma quite often.”
That explained it. Delilah didn’t question further, a proud smile playing on her lips. “My daughter’s just amazing. I think you’re even better than those professionals down at the massage parlor.”
Mirabella’s gaze dropped, her long lashes casting a veil over her eyes, “Have you been keeping up with the remedies! gave you last time?”
“Absolutely, especially those fragrance pills. They smell so good, not at all overpowering. I feel like my sleep quality’s improved a lot these past nights. Even your dad mentioned his insomnia’s been better,” Delilah recounted cheerfully.
“And that tincture gave you for internal use, you haven’t touched it, have you?” Mirabella’s voice was very calm, and although it was a question, her tone conveyed a sense of certainty. Had Delilah taken it, today’s headache might have been averted.
Guiltily, Delilah fidgeted with her dress before confessing in a small voice. “That medicine… it’s just so bitter, I couldn’t bring myself to take it again after the first time.”
Mirabella sighed lightly, “Bitter potions often offer the best healing. You must take it.”
Feeling a pang in her heart at her daughter’s gentle chide, Delilah hastened to reassure her, “I promise I’ll take it regularly from now on, no matter how bitter.”
Mirabella withdrew her hands, “How do you feel now?”
Delilah opened her eyes, rotating her neck almost instinctively, “It’s like magic – the pain’s gone, and I feel refreshed.”
Mirabella raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself that no one should be surprised by the efficacy of her touch.
Turning to face her daughter, Delilah’s curiosity piqued, “By the way, I overheard you talking to Emmitt about some competition this morning. Did you sign up for something?”
Mirabella gave a nod, her expression neutral “Just a dull prizeless event called the BrainSpark Nationals.”
Delilah, assuming it was just a trivial extracurricular contest, waved it off, “Well, just give it a go for the experience.”
As Delilah spoke, a flicker of irritation crossed her eyes – that Emmitt, making such a fuss over a small contest with his sister this morning.
After a moment’s pause, Delilah looked up again, “Can I find this competition online?” Despite Mirabella’s nonchalance about the event, Delilah, as her mother, couldn’t help but show some interest.
Even though Mirabella didn’t understand why Delilah was asking this, after some thought, she replied, “I guess so. Just search for ‘BrainSpark Nationals.“”
“Alright,” Delilah said, already pulling out her phone.
With a glance at her mother, Mirabella excused herself. “I’ll head back to my room then.”
“Sure, go ahead,” Delilah responded absently, her attention fixed on her phone as she rapidly typed in ‘Brainpark Nationals‘.