Thanksgiving 2014
Amity Blight paced back and forth in her room, her thoughts tangled like a twisted vine. Thanksgiving dinner was fast approaching, and this year, the Noceda House was hosting the gathering. It was a special occasion, bringing together Luz's family and friends, including Amity's siblings and father. Odelia refused, for obvious reasons as she was imprisoned for her treatment of her family and helping Belos and the Collector. Still, a witch from the prestigious Blight family, Amity felt a sense of responsibility to contribute something extraordinary to the feast.
"What can I do to make things look nice?" she asked herself out loud. She sighed loudly, then looked around the kitchen.
Her mind wandered to the depths of the Demon Realm, where exotic and unique ingredients awaited her. The flavors of that realm were known to be intense and captivating, capable of enchanting even the most discerning palates. But bringing something from the Demon Realm to a gathering of humans? It was a risk she wasn't sure she wanted to take.
"Mittens?" Eldric was heard. "You comin'?"
"There's gotta be something," she muttered.
She paused. There was definitely something! But what if they didn't like it? What if people laughed at it, or made fun of it for being too "fanciful" or "odd" for their tastes? How could she prove otherwise? Maybe she should just give up on the whole idea... but then again, maybe not. It would probably go better with something small—like a flower—or even some cookies...
Just as Amity wrestled with her thoughts, two unexpected visitors materialized in her room. One was a child version of herself, dressed in a pristine white robe, adorned with angelic wings. The other was a mischievous child Amity, dressed in a fiery red outfit with a pair of devilish horns. They were mirror images of her, embodying the conflicting thoughts that plagued her mind.
The devilish version of Amity sneered, "What's the matter, Amity? Scared your precious little human friends won't appreciate the delicacies of the Demon Realm?!"
The angelic version of Amity glared back; her voice gentle yet determined. "Amity, you should share the wonders of your world. It's an opportunity for them to learn and understand."
Amity rolled her eyes, her frustration mounting. "Oh, great! The battle between my conscience and my desires has taken the form of a snarky devil and an overly optimistic angel. Just what I needed."
As she began pacing again, her angelic reflection spoke up. "This is all wrong. You shouldn't feel bad about your gifts—they're part of your identity, and you deserve to celebrate them!"
The devilish Amity laughed mockingly. "Deep down, you know I'm right. You've tasted the delectable treats of the Demon Realm. It would be a shame to introduce that magic to your human companions."
The angelic Amity interjected; her voice filled with hope. "Think of the smiles on their faces when they experience something entirely new. They might even appreciate the effort you put into sharing a part of yourself with them."
The devilish Amity laughed, her voice laced with mischief. "Why would you even bother? Imagine the looks on their faces when they taste the delicacies of the Demon Realm. They might even be freaked out, to the point where they never wanna see you again!"
The angelic Amity, on the other hand, spoke softly and kindly. "She should embrace both her worlds. Sharing a bit of the Demon Realm can be a bridge between our two realms. It's an opportunity for everyone to understand each other better."
Amity clenched her fists, torn between her devilish desires and her angelic inclinations. The two child versions of herself continued their spirited debate, their voices growing louder and their arguments more intense. The little devil taunted and belittled, while the little angel pleaded and encouraged.
Their bickering grated on Amity's nerves, her patience waning. She interrupted their squabble, her voice laced with irritation. "Enough! I'm tired of your constant arguments. This is Thanksgiving, a time for unity and appreciation. I won't let you two ruin it for me."
The child versions of Amity fell silent, their faces reflecting surprise and concern. Amity took a deep breath, seeking composure, before continuing. "Thanksgiving is about sharing, about coming together. And that's exactly what I'm going to do." Taking a deep breath, Amity continued, her voice softer but filled with conviction. "Thanksgiving is about bringing people together and creating lasting memories. It's not just about the food; it's about the love and connection we share. I want to be a part of that, not for the sake of impressing anyone, but because I care about these people."
The angelic Amity smiled innocently as The devilish Amity rolled her eyes.
Amity smiled, feeling a sense of clarity. "I won't bring anything from the Demon Realm this year. Instead, I'll contribute with dishes made from ingredients found here. It might not be as exotic, but it will be heartfelt and meaningful."
Amity felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had made her decision, guided not by the conflicting voices within her, but by her own understanding of what Thanksgiving truly meant.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Amity stepped out of her room, ready to contribute to the Noceda House Thanksgiving feast, armed with the knowledge that her choice came from her own genuine desire to connect with the people she cared about most.
"Well, isn't that sweet?" The angelic Amity smiled, wiping a tear from her eye.
"It's her funeral." The Devilish Amity spoke.
The angelic Amity gave her companion a sharp jab with her elbow. "You're such a drama queen," she said, rolling her eyes again.
But the devilish Amity didn't want to admit she was wrong. Her mouth moved into a frown and her voice lowered into a whisper as she replied, "Yeah, yeah, whatever."