by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2025
(Feb. 7, 2025) — In a little village, with cobblestone streets, children gather to press their faces against the window of the confectioner’s shop. Each season the display in the window changes. This is the season of love. Red roses adorn the evergreen garlands strewn across the windowsill. Red foil decorations shimmer in the candlelight. White doves hover above porcelain cupids who stand guard over an array of chocolate, molded and carved into the most delightful images.
Children’s mouths water. Couples pause to take in the view and stand a little closer to each other. At the end of the workday, men rush in and out for purchases. Women step in to shop and dream. Overseeing all this, behind the counter, is the chocolatier, affectionately known as the Candy Man. The middle-aged gentleman, with mustache groomed, wears a hat upon his head and an apron to cover his clothes. His sleeves are rolled up. With concentration on his brow, he works the confections to his will. The patrons gather to marvel at his creations.
“It’s magic,” a wide-eyed child exclaims. Yes, and the best kind of magic too. The spells cast here are those that ignite imagination, bring loved ones closer together, mend rifts between friends, lighten loads and help heal hearts. Here we are reminded of childhood; here adulthood is made sweeter.
What do you fancy? A truffle? A bark? Take time to consider. Choose what you like best. Take a small taste. Make your life sweet, and do the same for a friend.