The Cure

It was finally over. My eight-year apprenticeship of training to be an apothecary was over! For once people could take me seriously when I diagnosed them, or recommended medicine. Even though it was wonderful when my apprenticeship was over, I didn’t realize what great responsibility I would have take on.

Working at the apothecary was the same, but people actually took me seriously. But I still did all the same things, like, selling herbs, making remedies, performing minor procedures, teaching apprentices and diagnosing people. The usuals came in just about every week, asking for and about best sellers, herbs to prevent against colds, and much more. People were always walking around the shop, exploring all the shelves filled with countless unique smells, textures and looks of herbs and remedies.

“Excuse me Emma, but my wife Catherine has been unfailingly coughing, purging, and has the highest high fever. Please, I need your help!”

“Oh no what a shame, that sounds absolutely dreadful. Well…” John cut me off, in a hurry. There was a sorrow look in his eyes that described his great worry and pain for his wife.

“What herb, medicine, remedy or elixir can you give me, I’ll buy anything that can make her better.” It hurt my soul to see how much anxiety he had.

“I do have a few things I can give you; I have feverfew for her high fever, spearmint for her stomachache and hoar hound candy for her excessive coughing.”

“I’ll take it all! Thank you Emma for your patience and your listening.” John was always complimented me on being patient and calm. I went up the ladder, lifting up my delicate sapphire blue dress, and I looked through the shelves that were as tall as the ceiling. Finally I found all the herbs; I weighed them and gave him a price.

“Thank you very much!” John ran out of the door, in a hurry to cure his wife.

Day 2:

I was in the apothecary shop creating a new remedy, until John came in with a large smile on his face. He said:

“Katherine is already getting better! Her fever is going down, she stopped purging and she is coughing less and less!” John laughed with joy and excitement. “I was so worried about her, I thought she had gotten a disease of some sort.”

“I’m so glad she is feeling better. I wish her the best!”