The Candlestick Maker

Ruby had everything she ever wanted. A husband she adored, a small shop selling candles to tourists and working as a hospice nurse caring for the dying. Everyone in the small town knew her as kind and loving yet there was a fear of her family history. Her grandmother was a Voo-doo priestess, her mother a healer and a Ruby, well was she to follow in their footsteps? Or was she one to hide her secrets? Further yet, what was she willing to sacrifice to the swamp for her happiness? Ruby's younger brother found a way out and lived in the city practicing law, while her older brother played around with the wrong side of magic and found himself alone in a dark abyss. Ruby had questions she longed to find answers too and after discovering the source of those answers hidden in a simple candle, things would never be the same. "The swamp gives, and the swamp takes away." What was she willing to let go of to keep ahold of what she had? "After careful review, research and cross references Ruby felt it was time to consult her grandfather. It took her some time to gather all the information she needed which made her feel both confident and frightened. Had she put to much effort into what could lead to be an utter failure? She was used to explaining her thought process and ultimate conclusion to Granddaddy who asked more questions than gave answers making her come to her own conclusions. This time was different she had the facts already prepared and her thesis was sound which left no room for argument. Which also meant it left no room for argument on her side either. She had all the facts, would he make her reconsider her opinion? After weighing ever other option and coming to the same conclusion time and time again she reluctantly reached for Granddaddy’s candle, placed it carefully in the center of the table, drew in a long cleansing breath and lit the wick. Then she waited."