CARMELLA

--- *Morning light filtered softly into Carmella’s room as she sat cross-legged, eyes closed in deep meditation. Slowly, she began to float a few inches above the floor.* A sudden knock at the door broke her concentration. “Mum,” Carmella sighed, annoyed, eyes still shut. “Carmie!!” her mother called again, louder this time. Reluctantly, Carmella opened her eyes and muttered under her breath, *What is it now?* Before she could close them again, the door swung open. “Hey, baby, are you done packing? Breakfast is ready,” her mother said cheerfully. “I’ll be down in a sec,” Carmella replied, voice still heavy with reluctance. “Do you need anything?” “No.” “Okay.” Her mother left the room, and Carmella glanced at her reflection in the mirror, a small smile curling her lips. --- Downstairs in the living room, packed boxes cluttered the floor. Carmella walked into the dining room where everyone was already eating. “Look who finally decided to wake up,” her father teased. “I’ve been awake since midnight,” Carmella shot back. “What were you doing all night?” her mother asked sharply.“Trying to summon our ancestral witches to show me the way to the witchworld.” Her mother’s expression darkened. “Carmella, I’m tired of you acting like this. I won’t allow you to go into the witchworld.” “Why not? Do you want me to end up like you — stuck in the mortal world?” Her mother sighed deeply, frustration clear in her voice. “I’m tired of this conversation... just go take a nap later.” She stood abruptly and left. Her father sighed as he watched her leave. “Honey…” But she didn’t respond. He turned to Carmella. “Anyway, aren’t you tired, Carmie?” “No. I have all the strength I need.” Mason teased, “Maya can’t even stay up two hours past midnight.” “Hey! Take that back!” Maya shot back. “I won’t!” “Oh, I’m gonna—” The twins bickered loudly until their father cut in firmly, “That’s enough, you two! We’re moving today and I want peace!” The twins finally fell silent. Carmella stood abruptly. “Hun, you haven’t finished eating,” her father said. “This place is growing tiresome,” Carmella said coldly, then left the table. --- Later, her father found her mother in their bedroom. “You okay, honey?” “I’m fine,” she said quietly. “I just wish my mother hadn’t tampered with Carmella. My baby would’ve been a normal teen.” “If we’d known, we never would’ve shown her to your mother. Now she’s taking on that legacy.” “I don’t know what to do. We tried everything to take those powers away, but it was like filling a basket with water.” “Don’t worry. This new town might change everything.” “How? Fred, it’s only getting worse. And we’re moving to the city where it all began. Carmella might find out... and right now, there’s nothing we can do to stop it.” “Calm down. I know someone who knows about this spiritual stuff. He lives in Hart City. Maybe he can help.” “Really?” “Yes.” “Great! We should... but I wonder why your work moved you there — that particular city?” “The company’s a mess, but what choice do we have?” --- Later on, in the car, Mum and the twins were fast asleep. Dad was driving while Carmella sat quietly, watching the road ahead. Through the rearview mirror, Dad glanced at them all. “Seems like everyone’s asleep,” he said softly. Carmella didn’t respond. “Am I right, Carmie?” Dad asked, turning to look at her. “Yes,” Carmella replied quietly. “So, aren’t you excited? We’re moving…” Dad tried again. “Excitement is for people who have their greatest desires fulfilled or possess an optimistic mind,” Carmella said flatly. “And you’re not one of them?” Dad probed gently. “No,” she answered. “Don’t worry,” Dad smiled. “This new city’s gonna be great.” Carmella stayed silent. --- Six hours later, they arrived at the new house. Dad parked the car, and they all stepped out, taking in their new surroundings. “Wow!” Mum whispered. “Oh my gosh!” Maya gasped as Mason darted inside. “This place is awesome! I call the first room!” Mason shouted, running upstairs.