Cursed Old House
Weve arrived! Out you get! The driver brought the lorry to a halt by an old wooden fence and turned off the engine.
Heather gently shook her daughter, Alice, who was snuggled against her and quietly snoring.
Were here, darling. Wake up, love.
Still half asleep, Alice rubbed her eyes with her tiny fists and glanced around, seeking out their new home.
Mum, is this where were going to live now?
Yes, sweetheart. Lets go! We need to unload the van and take a look round.
Heather hopped down from the high step onto the gravel drive and lifted Alice into her arms. From the car behind, Tom appearedher ex-husbandhaving driven his own car behind the moving van.
All good?
Yeah. Where are the keys?
Here you go, Tom handed her a jingling bunch. I left all the paperwork about the house on the kitchen table. Youll find it. Ill pick Alice up on Saturday, as we agreed.
Alright.
Ill help move things in, then Ive got to dash. Too much on my plate today.
Heather nodded. Her heart still felt raw, but she knew she couldnt change a thingshe had to keep moving forward, preferably without breaking down.
She and Tom had been together for five years. Just a month ago, Heather had discovered Tom had met someone else. And not just some fleeting affair; he was serious about this new woman. He even planned on starting a family with her.
At first, Heather felt like shed been dropped into some parallel world. Everything seemed shadowy, unreal. What now? How on earth was she meant to go on? She couldnt even begin to process it. Just yesterday shed felt she had a solid home, a loving husband, everything calm and steadyand in a blink, it had all vanished. Even her faith in people had gone. If the man closest to her could cheat so carelessly, without a second thought, then who could she possibly trust? Theyd hardly ever argued; everything was so ordinary, so normal, that she hadnt noticed a thing.
The news crushed her. She was demoralised, completely at sea.
Heather kept up with daily life on autopilot: caring for Alice, cooking, cleaning, working. But she couldnt pull herself together, not enough to think about the future, not even one step ahead.
The flat had belonged to Toms parents. Shed only had an elderly aunt, Margaret, whod lived in a nearby townthe only family she had left. Since Heather couldnt visit often, shed paid a neighbour to help: someone to run groceries over, fetch medicine, keep an eye on her aunt. The little flat Heathers own parents had left her was let out, the rent going into two accounts: one for herself and another for Aunt Margaret. Several times, Heather had offered to swap Aunt Margarets cottage for a flat nearer to herself, but her aunt always refused.
Tom, when finally forced to confess, knew thered be no hysterics. Not Heathers style. He was sure shed just withdraw into herself. So, when the truth came outthanks to local well-wishersTom turned up one evening after Alice had gone to sleep and called Heather into the kitchen.
I know youve heard. Im not going to make excuses. These things just happen. Weve got Alice to think about, and we should try to keep her from all this. So what now?
I dont know yet, Heather replied, hugging her mug tightly, staring at the grain of the table.
Inside, her emotions were churning, questions like Why? and How could you? ricocheting around. But outwardly, she betrayed nothing. She didnt want him to see her pain. The hurt made it hard to breathe. But Tom was right about one thing: Alices wellbeing was most important now.
Should we end the lease and move back to my flat?
No need. Ive let you down, and Alice too, so I spoke to Mum and Dad and Heather, would you think about moving into Grans old house?
Where?
You know, the old house in the next village overMums inherited place. Its not brand new, but its solid and warm. And your Aunt Margaret lives just up the road, doesnt she? Mums happy to put it in your name, for you and Alice. What do you think?
Compensation? Heather forced a wry smile but considered it.
Perhaps it was the best option. She really didnt want to bump into Tom and his new love interest at every turn, and even their old park walks only brought her pain now. She had to think of the future, especially for Alice.
What would she lose? It was a small village, but it had a good school, doctors surgeryeverything close at hand. And Aunt Margaret would be right down the road. Alice needed constant care, and Tom was unlikely to help as he used to. Heather would have to find a new job
She nodded, determined.
Ill do it.
Sorted, said Tom, pushing back from the table. You and Mum can talk details and make it official at the solicitors. Shell give you a ring. I best be off.
As he left, he faltered at the door, andwithout meeting her eyemumbled, Im sorry. I never meant it to turn out like this.
Heather didnt answer, simply nodded, shut the door, then slid to the floor, biting down on her sleeve so as not to wake Alice, and howled.
Not cryinghowling. She recalled a TV documentary about wolves shed watched as a child, and it occurred to her, she felt less like a woman, more a wounded she-wolf in that moment.
She sobbed until she felt emptiedher anger spent. In its place: emptiness. The only thought fluttering desperately inside her, like a moth with singed wings, was that she needed to find some goodness, and fill that blank spaceor shed never climb out of the pit of despair.
The following weeks were so frantic Heather did nothing but focus on the move and all it entailed.
And so, here she stood by the battered fence of her new house, gazing into the wild, overgrown garden, the house itself half-hidden behind thickets of trees and tangled rosebushes.
Alice tugged at her hand.
Mum! What are you waiting for? Lets go see!
They followed the path, rounded an old apple tree, and finally saw the house.
NoHeather corrected herself. The house. Slightly weathered, but still standing strong. Quaint, with a little attic room and a bright, spacious veranda adorned with coloured glass panes. Surrounded by the turning autumn orchard, it looked straight out of a painting. Heather unclipped her camera and snapped a few shots. Looking at their future home, she realised she genuinely liked it here. The house needed workloads of itbut that was exactly what she needed now.
Alice stood beside her, mouth open, thumb in her mouth. Heather reached over and gently pulled it out.
Fingers out of your mouth, poppet! What do you think of the house?
Muuuuum, its lovely!
I agree. Lets see what its like inside, and decide which room will be yours.
Yes! Hurry!
They mounted the steps and entered via the veranda. Inside, there was a roomy hallway with doors leading to the kitchen and living areas. Heather wandered through, sizing up where best to put their few bits of furniture.
It wasnt grand: a little kitchen, two small bedrooms below and one up in the attic, and a big, welcoming dining-lounge with a round table beneath a lampshade draped in a crocheted shawl. It was definitely dampit hadnt been heated for agesbut still, against all sense, Heather felt it was warm and inviting.
Heather! Were unloaded and Ive sorted the removal mens bill, Tom called from the sitting room. Come onIll show you how the boiler works.
After a quick demonstration, Tom said his goodbyes and left.
Heather tiptoed off to the kitchen.
She switched on the kettle, dug out packed containers of food for Alice, and set a stew to warm. While the food simmered, she fetched a box of cleaning suppliesshed have to give the place a good scrub.
The kitchen was small but homey. Two big windows overlooked the garden. By one window, the old wooden table needed wiping down. Alice swung her legs on a chair, studying the cupboards and the rainbow-patterned lamp above.
Suddenly, a loud thud rattled one of the windows. Both Heather and Alice started, as an enormous ginger tomcat appeared on the sill.
Hullo there! Must you be so dramatic? Heather caught her breath. Alice, look at this handsome fellow!
The cat fixed Heather with a level stare.
What are you ogling at? Well, come on then, since youve invited yourself in! Im sure weve something to treat you with.
The cat dropped out of view.
Well, thats that, chuckled Heather. Alice, wash your hands! Lunch is ready.
She turned to the hallwayand there was the cat, right on the threshold.
How on earth did you get in? I locked the door, Im sure!
The cat gave no answer, just blinked at them with those vast golden eyes, the picture of composure. Heather grinned despite herself.
She broke off a piece of chicken, set it on a battered saucer, and called, Here you gohelp yourself.
The tomcat, dignified yet curious, sauntered over and tucked in.
Heather checked the door. Everything was as shed left it, but then she noticed a catflap at the baseclearly designed for such visitors.
So, thats the trick. Their guest knew the way in.
When she returned, Alice was sitting cross-legged by the cat, nattering away. The cat listened genuinely, and at last, Heather, for the first time in months, burst out laughing.
Look at you twodeep in conversation!
Both child and cat turned at the same moment, and Heather couldve sworn the cat shrugged just like Alice didit was so uncanny.
There was a knock at the door. Heather wagged her finger at Alice.
Stay here! she said, and went to answer.
Hello, love! Im your neighbour, Edith Brown. But everyone calls me Auntie Edie. Herebrought you a litre of milk from my cow! Drink up and stay healthy!
Heather, slightly flustered by the womans briskness, remembered her manners. Thank you so much! Im Heatherpleased to meet you. Goodness, its still warm! Would you like to come in for a cuppa?
Auntie Edie stepped right in, making herself at home.
Heather set the milk on the counter. Alice piped up from the kitchen, Hello! Im Alice.
Hello there! Im Auntie Edie.
Alice asked, Whose cat is this?
Well, I should know! Thats my rascal, that is. Names Percy. Feed him too much and hell never bother chasing mice againhe already eats like a lord at ours.
You have mice? Alices mouth dropped.
Of course, love. And you will too. Part and parcel with old country homes, especially in the autumn. Auntie Edie winked.
Mum, we need Percy. I meanwe need a cat of our ownquick!
Heather smiled. Lets see, Alice. Auntie Edie, do you know anyone nearby looking for some work? Someone handyI wont be able to get the garden or house straight without help.
Theres Bill next door but onebig green gates. Lovely man, proper craftsman. Hell sort you out, wont ask the moon for it.
Greatly appreciated. Can I tempt you to some tea? Weve only just moved in, but Ive got biscuits and sweeties to share.
Dont mind if I do, smiled Auntie Edie.
They sipped tea, with Edie filling her in on village happenings, her own family, and eventually asked, So, Heather, what brought you to this old place?
Inherited it, said Heather lightly, not eager to spill her life story. She forced a wry smile.
You know, its been boarded up twenty years at least. The young folk forget, but us older ones rememberthis house has a reputation.
Youre scaring me! Whats the matter with it? Heather managed a nervous laugh.
Dont you fret! Nothing ghastly. Only, no ones ever settled here for long. A few years, then theyd fall ill, lose someone, or just have rotten luck See, it was built by a local merchant for his bride, but she died of a fever before their first anniversary. He sold up and left, and after thatwell, who knows. Its near a hundred years old. Been altered a few times over, but for some reason, nobodys managed to last.
Heather fiddled with her teaspoon, deep in thought.
Well, needs must! Were here nowbrave souls, the pair of us! Right, Alice? We wont be scared off!
Months passed.
Heather got used to village life, Alice started nursery, and Heather picked up work at the local photography studio, quickly picking up plenty of freelance gigsweddings, parties, you name it. Photography had once been a hobby, but shed built skills over the years, even finishing a course when she was pregnant with Alice. It was a godsend now.
With Auntie Edies help, she met Billtall, sturdy, with a warm handshakewho simply said, Billll do. Everyone calls me that.
He lent a hand clearing the garden: it turned out to be bursting with fruit trees and berry bushes. With some care, Alice would never go wanting for home-grown treats. Bill sorted the leaky roof, spruced up the porch, brought order to the garden. It took time, but it was worth it.
The old house woke up, came alive. Each morning, stepping onto the porch with her tea, stroking the new wooden handrail, Heather felt at peace. She felt she belonged.
She took on caring for Aunt Margaret. Every evening she and Alice stopped in at her aunts on the way home. Heather knew moving here had been the right choice. She regained her calm, even let go of her hurt towards Tom.
He visited regularly to see Alice, and that helped. Tom hadnt abandoned his daughter. Whatever happened between them, Heather didnt want to chase old grievancesshed neglected the marriage too, she finally admitted. Dwelling on the past was pointless. She resolved to let Alice always feel she had both parents love, whether they lived together or not.
Aunt Margaret approved.
Thats right, Heather. Dont let bitterness eat away at you. Let it pass. Even a little sadness, if left to fester, turns into heavy grief. Remember what was goodjust look at that little girl! Thats what matters, isnt it? The restlet it go. Dont let anger gnaw away at your soul. Keep bright for Aliceshes always looking to you, soaking everything in. What shell remember is what matters most.
Heather just noddedshe knew her aunt was right.
Neighbours stopped by, some young, some old. Alice made friends, the house filled with life again.
Heather learned to bake bread from Mrs. Marsh, who lived further along the lane. Alice adored it, and never fussed about milk anymore if she had a slice of fresh loaf to go with ither milk moustache made Heather laugh every time.
Then she befriended Mr. Brown, an elderly neighbour who dropped by one day with a basket of the biggest strawberries Heather had ever seen.
English Pride, this lot, he told her. When youre settled in, Ill show you how to plant them.
When Bill helped Heather fix up the veranda, she set out a big table, scrubbed the old coloured glass, and polished the wooden floorboards. She tucked a rocking chair into one cornerAlices new favourite spot. Most evenings found Alice curled in the chair with Percy the ginger tom curled on her lap.
Percy felt at home in both houses now. Heather had learnt to check the porch for mice in the morningsPercy was earning his keep, though Alice would have adopted him with or without the trophies.
The only neighbour who grated on Heather was Mrs. Simmons, a woman a little older, chatty to a fault, but worst of all, an unrepentant gossip. At first, Heather didnt realise, but soon she avoided any hint of conversation about neighbours business.
Auntie Edie, how do you stop her chattering? she moaned. Its hopeless!
You cant do much, love. Refuse her into the house and shell spread stories youll never shake off, however well people know you. Nasty piece of work. I just told herI keep cats, shes allergic!
Get a cat, or a dog Heather mused.
Mrs. Simmons was starting to realise Heather was polite but not a willing ear for gossip. Yet, out of courtesy, Heather kept serving tea and singing songs in her head through the monologues, waiting out the visits.
Gradually, Heather noticed something odd. Every time Mrs. Simmons visited, she met with mishap.
First time, she tore her new skirt on a rogue nailHeather could have sworn thered been none on the porch, Bill having just finished fixing it. Mrs. Simmons went home silent that day.
Next time, she missed her chair entirely and landed on the floorimpossible given the tight arrangement of table and walls.
Whether that deterred her or she found a new audience, Heather wasnt sure, but the visits tailed off.
One morning, trimming the front hedge, Heather overheard Mrs. Simmons and Auntie Edie nattering along the lane.
You dont see? Woman living alone, just a child? No way! Must be a man visiting. Place looks too good just for her.
Rubbish! Bill helped her, and she paid him, you know that.
But the house the whole village knows its cursed. She should have moved out ages ago, yet shes still herebold as brass! Why? And why do folk flock to her?
Because its not the place that matters, its who lives there! Heathers got a good heart, people feel it. Shoo off, Simmons, Ive got milk on the stove!
Heather smiled to herself. People could certainly be odd.
MUM! Mum, where are you? Alice now stood on the porch.
Here, love! Up and washed?
Not yet! Wait, look!
She pointed. Down the path came Percy, dragging a miniature ginger kitten by the scruff. He dropped it at Heathers feet and gave her a look of pure admonishment. Heather bent down, hands out, and accepted the squawking, fluffy bundle.
Thank you, Percy! Think we need a kitten, do we?
Percy let out a huff, turned tail, and stomped off towards Auntie Edies. He clearly considered his work done.
Well, Alice, seems you were right. How shall we name him?
Lets call him Percy, too!
Heather raised the kitten to eye level. Welcome, Sir Percy Junior! Right, familylets get indoors. Time for breakfast.
Alice giggled, pushed open the veranda door, and warmth and laughter swept through the hall.
Looking back on it all, I realise: you cant be too afraid of change, nor of places with a bit of a history. Home is what you make itand with a bit of hard work, kindness, and the willingness to accept lifes surprises, even a cursed old house can become the very place you need.
