Author’s Note: Written for CABB’s April 12, 2024 Challenge

The Prompt: Vincent, Dr. Wong’s Shop, an Anniversary Gift

The first of two 100-word stories suggesting an Alternative Second Anniversary
(instead of The Watcher)

* * * * *

His gift …

Inadequate

Not the treasure he’d discovered, polished, readied, but … him.

Can we … truly … be together? Am I … are we … brave enough?

“Our anniversary,” he whispered. “A tea perhaps … for courage?”

“Ahhhh …” Dr. Wong studied him with one eye closed … (or did he wink?) … and left him standing.

Vincent paced the secret cellar, anxiety swirling, darkening, clouding his senses. Go? Stay?

Then … Voices.

His ear to the door to the apothecary, heart quickening.

Lin …suggesting a balm – Madengcao, Sichangpu, Yuanzhi – to encourage romance.

Dr. Wong’s rumble. “What you need is in the storeroom. Come …”

Footsteps …

The door opened.

Catherine!