“I wasn’t expecting company, but please, come in.”
Dr. Meadows’s house was not unlike her store. It felt warm and cozy, and the scent of vanilla greeted all visitors. Dreamcatchers hung against the walls, and amethysts and crystals lined every vacant space. Expensive- looking African and Native American artwork decorated her home as if it were a museum.
“You were right,” I said forcefully.
“About what?”
“About everything!” I was nearly shouting.
“Calm down, let me brew you some tea.”
“I don’t have time for tea. Do you remember what you said to me?” I asked.
“Uh… I do so many readings….”
“You had insight for my friends — about their personalities. But when it came to me, you said, ‘Beware of the woods… of the sounds of howling. There could be outsiders who will turn… underneath the glow of the full moon.’”
“Ah, yes. I do remember.”
“Why did you say what you did to me?”
“It was just a feeling.”
“When I left your store, I decided to walk home. There was a blizzard. I got caught in it. And then, I was surrounded by a pack of wolves.”
“You must be joking.” She was as skeptical of me as I’d originally been of her.
“I’m not.”
“How on earth did you survive?” she asked.
“The outsider. He saved me.”
Even Dr. Meadows seemed shocked by the accuracy of her prediction.
“But why did you say what you did to me?” I pressed again.
“I just had a feeling, that’s all.”
“But it came true.”
“Predictions are often left to the individual’s interpretation.”
“You have to believe me. It happened just as you said — just as you warned me.”
Dr. Meadows was speechless.
“But it’s true,” I said.
“Are you sure? One message could be interpreted many ways.”
“Not in this case. Snow is snow. Howling is howling.” I tried to persuade her.
“It couldn’t be,” she argued.
“But it could. It did. You knew.”
“I did?”
It was then we both realized the impact of our situation.
She rose, her face glowing like a crystal in the sunlight. “All these years…” she muttered to herself.
I couldn’t believe it. I was having to convince Dr. Meadows that she was psychic.
“No one has believed you?” I asked.
“But you have free will,” she said in a daze.
“Yes, I do. But you predicted it. And I should have listened.”
She sat down as if her energy had been spirited away.
“It’s true, Dr. Meadows. Everything you told me came true. And now you have to help me.”
“Help you?” she asked, confused. “But you made it safely out of the woods.”
“Well… It’s not me who needs help, really. But before I tell you… is there some sort of psychic-client privilege — like an attorney-client one?”
“I don’t think so…”
“I mean this must be a secret.”
“Maybe you should tell a priest. Or a rabbi. Or a school counselor.” She was shying away from taking any further responsibility in the matter.
“No — I have to tell you. No one else will understand.”
Dr. Meadows was hesitant. “All right. Go ahead.”
“You said beware of a kiss underneath a full moon.”
“Yes?”
“I kissed a guy. And he changed…”
“Go on.”
“Into a…”
“An animal?” she asked.
“Well, sort of.”
“Honey, they all do.” She laughed. “That’s all you wanted to tell me?”
“Dr. Meadows, you have to believe me. There is a guy in this town, and when there is a full moon, he turns…”
“Turns into what?”
“A werewolf.”
“A werewolf?” Dr. Meadows was incredulous. This time she let out a laugh that shook the candles flickering on her coffee table. “Honey, now I think this may be something for the school nurse….”
“Dr. Meadows — you have all those books in your store about witches and warlocks. I thought you believed it all.”
“I do believe in some — I’ve based my life’s work on the supernatural. I’ve seen and felt apparitions and other paranormal events. But I’m sure that I’m not the first person in the world who doesn’t believe in werewolves.”
“But you must. You are the only person I know who can help him,” I urged. “Dr. Meadows—” I pleaded. But the psychic remained silent.
“I only know what I told you.”
“You know things that others don’t. You need to help my friend. Before it’s too late. The moon will be full again soon.”
Now Dr. Meadows grew concerned. “This isn’t something I can change with a moment’s notice. I have to consult books and spells. And…”
I saw dollar signs in her eyes. “I just have a small allowance. But I’ll give you all of it—”
She studied me, as if now realizing that I might be telling her the truth.
“This must remain a secret,” I said. “You are the only person I’ve told. Not even my best friends or my parents know what happened.”
“I will need to observe him. Both when the moon is waxing and of course when it is full.”
“I don’t think that is possible now. He’s forbidden me to see him.”
“He is angry?” she asked. “He blames you? Us?” She was suddenly afraid. “You haven’t told him where I live, have you?”
“Of course not. And besides, he’s not mad or vengeful. That’s the point. This guy is different from anyone I’ve ever met before. He refuses to be near me at night because he’s afraid he’s dangerous.”
“Well, if what you say is true and he is a werewolf, you must stay away from him. For your own safety.”
“So, you believe me?” I asked.
“Yes, I do,” she said. “But I must see him. As soon as possible.”
I gave Dr. Meadows a huge hug. Her warm personality crept through her embrace. Finally, part of my guilt was assuaged. “Thank you. I feel better already.”
As she opened the door for me, the wind outside was still. Dr. Meadows grasped my shoulder as if something overcame her. “You must never kiss a werewolf,” she warned vehemently.
She shut the door behind me, and the chimes rang out wildly. Suddenly I didn’t feel so at ease anymore.
I wasn’t sure how I’d convince Brandon to let Dr. Meadows meet him with the full moon approaching. He wasn’t keen on me being with him under these circumstances, and she wasn’t the kind of doctor who was certified by the medical board. How was I going to let a perfect stranger hang out in the woods and watch him transform
