Then I remembered that my grandmother had visited a few weeks earlier. She’s always been the kind of woman who believes in quiet blessings and old ways.
That evening, I called her.
“Grandma… did you put something under my mattress?”
She chuckled softly.
“Ah, you found it? Yes, it’s kalonji. May it keep you safe. You’ve been restless lately and I thought a little protection might help.”
