She poured love into her fish. She sat beside the tank and admired their scales, and confided in them the wins and woes of her day.
They were patient listeners, wide-eyed with interest.
They couldn’t speak back, but they found other ways.
A glittering gem spat from a round mouth. Plants woven into shapes that filled her with peace. Bubbles that burst with the force of wishes granted.
They lived longs lives, the fish and the girl both, as witches and familiars do.