Flummoxed

The old alchemist sat pondering his life’s work. “I’ve studied the past and glimpsed the future to no avail,” said Aspec.

Dust now covered his bottles and jars of potions and tonics. “What is it that I have missed?” muttered the wizard.

When he was much younger, Aspec sought the answer his master had failed to discover. He had a sense that he would succeed where others failed.

“No stone unturned. No cavern unexplored. Yet, I can’t see what should be right before me,” said Apec.

The alchemist scans the words of his notes for something he might have missed.

“Time passes much faster than it should, and my end is in sight. Still, I am no closer to realizing my quest,” sighed the wizard.

His familiar, Tomasina, purred below him, reminding him that he had work unfinished.

“This problem perplexes me to no end,” the alchemist grumbles, then turns to stare out the window.

“Such peace and tranquillity from gazing at the sky and trees. No magic to feel this,” Aspec said.

The alchemist stood and walked to the window. “Why can’t I find what I seek? Why can’t I create a happiness potion when this view can do it?” cried the wizard.

Tomasina meowed for her dinner, and the alchemist turned and smiled at the cat and said. “Yes, I’m feeling peckish too. Will we eat now? This nonsense can wait another day.”

Apec put away his spectacles and went to have evening tea. He liked that and was happy to be with his cat.

“It isn’t so hard after all,” remarked the alchemist. “Tea sounds perfect,” he said, boiling the kettle.