Grace illuminated the room by switching on the light and extinguishing the candles. She carefully placed the items she had utilized on the table before donning her dress once more.
Retrieving her cane from the wall, she addressed Hazel and Miguel, stating, "We have arrived at the end of our second steps. You may open your eyes and accompany me, please."
As they opened their eyes, Hazel and Miguel squinted against the brightness, which was momentarily uncomfortable.
Once their vision adjusted, they observed Grace ascending the staircase. Promptly, they rose and followed her.
Grace awaited them just outside the room. She closed the door behind them and guided them to a nearby bathroom, where they could clean off the remnants of chicken blood and bird feathers.
"Please stay here; I will return shortly," she instructed before proceeding downstairs to fetch two black towels and their clothes, which she brought back to the bathroom.
Grasping the door handle, Grace informed them, "Once you have finished tidying up, please join me in the living room." With that, she closed the door and settled into her armchair.
After Hazel and Miguel had cleaned themselves, they made their way to the living room where Grace was waiting.
"Please, have a seat," she offered as they entered.
Hazel and Miguel took their places on the sofa they had previously sat on, and Grace inquired, "How do you feel now?"
Hazel shrugged slightly and replied, "I find it difficult to articulate. However, I feel as though a strong burden has been lifted from me, and my heart is now filled with joy and tranquility."
"I share that sentiment," Miguel added. "I feel a sense of hope that our wishes will soon be fulfilled."
Grace nodded, her expression warm. "Excellent. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for both of you. As I mentioned earlier, maintain your faith; the outcome is now in the hands of fate."
"Yes, ma'am, we will," Hazel and Miguel affirmed.
"Now then," Grace sighed, directing her attention to the coffee table beside her chair.
She retrieved a small bottle of medication and a piece of paper with a prayer written on it, explaining their significance: "You must take this medication twice daily for two weeks. Additionally, recite the prayer for two weeks, specifically around midnight. Begin the medication tomorrow morning and the prayer tomorrow night. Make sure you do this with unwavering faith." She then handed the items to them.
Hazel grabbed the bottle from Grace's hand, secured it in a small plastic bag, and placed it in her handbag before tucking the prayer paper into her pocket handbag.
"Do you have any questions?" Grace inquired, ensuring clarity on all points discussed.
Hazel and Miguel shook their heads in unison.
"It was a pleasure to see both of you this evening. You may head home now," Grace stated.
Miguel paid Grace for her services, and she escorted them to the door.
Hazel and Miguel donned their shoes and coats before stepping outside.
As they walked toward their vehicle, they felt a profound sense of relief, their spirits uplifted and hope renewed. They firmly believed that parenthood was soon going to be at their doorstep.
In the ensuing two weeks, Hazel and Miguel diligently adhered to Grace's instructions, awaiting their results with nervousness.