The Scent Keeper

by Erica Bauermeister

Perhaps, my little fish, you will create great fragrances one day, just like your mother, and your grandmother. You will play among the sparkling top notes, the hints of citrus and the salt mist of waves. You will sink into the flowers and spices of the middle notes. But never forget the base notes, for no fragrance is ever balanced without a touch of musk, or smoke, or sadness. Base notes can come from dark places, but they can create beauty all the same. They are reminders of what we will do to live, and what we can give each other. My parents taught me that.