love you to the moon and to saturn
They walked through the forest behind the small town near London that evening, their hands brushing against each other.
“So…” Rio turned to Agatha.
“So…” Agatha smiled.
“What’s this big surprise you’ve got planned for me?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Agatha took a sharp left turn.
“Where are you going?”
“Follow me and find out.” Agatha winked before turning back around. Rio jogged to catch up. Agatha led them deeper into the forest. “Have you seen the moon tonight?”
“Yeah, Full moon.”
“I was thinking I’d get you a closer look.”
Rio paused. “Wait. You don’t mean–”
“Hexenbesen!” Agatha stopped when they reached some loose branches, then looked at Rio to gauge her reaction. “Oh, um… It’s okay if you don’t like it, we can–”
Rio hugged her. “I love it. Thank you.”
Agatha hugged her back. “Of course. There’s one with asters, I thought you might like that. Love, charm, and sensitivity.”
Rio smiled. “Looks like someone did their research.”
“It was me,” Agatha whispered.
“I know. Good job.” Rio whispered back, patting her on the head.
They walked to the branches, grabbing one each. Agatha adjusted the asters whilst Rio grew flowers on Agatha’s.
“What are those?”
“Alstroemeria. Better known as Lily of the Incas. Loyalty, devotion, and support.”
Agatha smiled before they stood across each other, clenching the brooms and chanting as they moved in a slow, synchronized rhythm, forming a continuous loop. The bristles brushed against the ground as they traced over the same circular path over and over until it became a ritual rather than a mere movement. They finally handed the brooms to each other, Agatha’s hand lingering on Rio’s before she let go of the broom. They got on the brooms and started moving, almost instinctively. Rio chuckled as her feet parted ways with the ground and they made their way to the sky, the moonlight shining on their smile-adorned faces. Rio finally turned to the moon, inspecting every inch of its cratered surface.
“The moon looks beautiful tonight.”
Agatha smiled, looking at Rio. “Sure does.”
Rio stood up on her broom, laughing as the midnight breeze hit her face, gathering her hair. She turned to see Agatha watching her fondly, then made her way next to her so their lips could meet.