The old Essence of Egypt apothecary smelled of dried herbs and forgotten secrets.

Maya coughed, waving a hand in front of her face. She’d heard whispers of the apothecary’s remedies, especially a certain lotion said to heal skin ailments. Her husband’s hands, were perpetually hard and raw from the hard work he had to do on a daily basis. Hesitantly, she approached the counter. Behind it stood a woman with eyes as deep and knowing as the forest. “I… I heard you have something for skin problems,” said Maya. The woman listened to her tale about her husband and his calloused hands. “The earth provides,” she said, turning to a shelf lined with dusty bottles. She selected a small, unassuming jar filled with a creamy lotion. “Skin Repair. Made with Grapeseed, Lavender, and a touch of Spanish Marjoram. Apply it sparingly, she said. “Maya purchased the balm, its price surprisingly low. That night, she encouraged her husband to smooth a thin layer over his hard and broken skin. It wasn’t greasy or heavily scented, just a cool, soothing sensation that eased, more or less instantly. The next morning, she woke with a start. His hands… they looked different. The angry red welts were noticeably calmer, and the skin less cracked. She encouraged her husband to apply the balm again. Day after day, she made sure he continued the ritual, and day after day, his skin improved. Within a week, the roughness was almost completely gone. The raw, painful cracks had healed, replaced by soft, healthy skin that she could feel on her own skin when he caressed her face. Maya returned to the apothecary her hands held out in gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. “This lotion… it’s a miracle. “The woman smiled, a hint of ancient wisdom in her eyes. “It’s not a miracle, child. It’s simply the earth, remembering how to heal.”