DISCLAIMER: This story was written in the format of a play, not a book. It is set up as a script, so italics describe characters' actions and stage directions (example: she picks up a book). I hope you like it! 

Scene 1

The stage is dark except for a spotlight that shines on the NARRATOR, who is played by the same person who plays HEINRICH.

NARRATOR:  It is said that true evil only arises in those whose hearts are made of stone. But a heart of stone is not such an easy thing to acquire. It is true that some are born with such stones in their chests, but others start with a heart as soft and warm as yours and mine. Their hearts are hardened when the ice of betrayal freezes over the love they once felt. This is the story of that betrayal. A story in which a good witch turned into a terrible creature stripped of all human emotion. Our story starts with a beautiful girl named Alma, a simple florist with an innocent heart and a secret that could end in her doom. The secret of witchcraft.

The rest of the setting lights up. ALMA enters with a watering can and begins watering flowers in her garden. A florist stand where she sells her flowers sits further away.

ALMA:  (to a wilted flower) Oh, dear. (she kneels down to inspect the wilted patch of flowers) It seems I haven't paid enough attention to you, I'm sorry, little flowers... Oh, and you're a customer favorite, too! (ALMA looks around and over her shoulders to make sure no one is around. She then twirls her hand around above the flowers as they sparkle, straighten, and bloom back into health) Shhhh (giggling to the flowers) don't tell a soul.

HEINRICH, the shoemaker, walks up to the flower stand as ALMA rushes over

ALMA:  Hi, Heinrich!

HEINRICH  Hello, Alma. How's business today?

ALMA:  (cheerfully) Mostly slow, but you know the crowds always come in all at once. How's the wife?

HEINRICH:  Frieda is beginning to feel better, thank heavens, so I figured a bouquet of Edelweiss would fit the occasion. These ones can go in a vase rather than a medicine for a change.

ALMA:  Oh, I'm so happy to hear that! (begins gathering up Edelweiss flowers as well as a bundle of yellow flowers) Do wish her health for me. Seeing a loved one's health decline is never an easy thing.

HEINRICH: (looking at ALMA with pity) Poor thing... you've experienced enough of that for a lifetime. And at such a young age. Your parents would be proud of the lady you've grown to be.

ALMA:  Thank you, Heinrich. That's very kind. (ALMA looks up and sees HEINRICH's expression) Oh... Don't look so sorrowful, it's a joyous day! Your wife's health is improving!

ALMA hands HEINRICH the bouquet of edelweiss and a bundle of arnica flowers.

HEINRICH:  Thank you! But what's this? (HEINRICH inspects the arnica flowers)

ALMA:  (Smiling brightly) Those are arnica flowers, they're not only beautiful, but if your wife has any muscle pain from lying in bed all day, they can be used for medicine to treat such aches. If she doesn't need them medicinally, they make lovely decorations.

HEINRICH:  That's a very kind thought, Alma, but I'm afraid I don't have enough for two bundles of flowers. (regretful) My apologies.

ALMA:  No need to apologize! They're on the house. They're a gift, my well wishes for Frieda.

HEINRICH:  Heavens, Alma, you're too kind! Thank you. Truly, thank you so much.

ALMA:  It's my pleasure. I hope she likes them.

HEINRICH:  I know she will. (walking away) Have a wonderful day, Alma!

ALMA turns back to her flowers, kneeling down to speak again to the recently healed flower.

ALMA:  (melancholy) Would he still be wishing me a wonderful day if he knew I was a witch? (she sighs) I can't say I blame them, if I had grown up knowing only evil stories of witches I would be afraid of me, too...