The couple came to my door with religious tracts. “We’re visiting neighbors and want to know if you’ve learned the secret to everlasting life.”

“I’m glad you’re here!” I exclaimed. “I’ve been researching just that!”

Then I led them to the cauldron in my basement, which required two final ingredients.

Emily Merrell is the author of the children’s book, Whirl of a Girl. You can visit her online at ehmerrellwrites.com.