.
.
.
I stood beneath the stone steps leading up to Hawthorn Cottage. It had remained empty for many years and time had taken its toll on what once had been a desirable property. For some reason, I know not what or why, I was overcome with a desire to peer inside.
I started to climb, steadying myself by gripping a rusty railing, my feet snagging on overgrown weeds. Shabby curtains hung forlornly across filthy windows. There was no way I could see beyond them. I noticed a skylight. So desperate was I to discover what lay within that I decided to climb upon the roof.
I made my way to a crooked coal bunker which threatened to collapse as I clambered onto it. As I heaved myself onto the sloping roof, several tiles shattered on the paved area beneath.
Had I been heard? I held my breath. No.
Crawling on my hands and knees, I reached the skylight. Years of tobacco smoke had stained the glass a dirty brown, so I used a tile to smash a hole in its centre.
There was furniture scattered everywhere; upturned chairs and toppled tables. On the floor, lay a picture frame, its glass shattered.
It’s said that many years ago a brutal murder took place at Hawthorn Cottage. An elderly lady was slain by an opportunist thief who wasn’t expecting her to put up a fight. They say that no one attended her funeral. Was she not someone’s mother? Grandmother? But then I never knew my Grandmother. She was never spoken about as I grew up.
Gradually the faded photograph within the fallen frame started to come into focus. It was a picture of me as a child.
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Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?
Image Credit; Sig- Sigmund @ Unsplash
oh! wow, that ending !
An ending for us, a new beginning for him!
A story to be continued? I hope so.😸
We shall see!
A very intriguing ending Keith. Maybe there’s more of this tale?
Thanks for joining in.
Maybe, let me think….!
👍🏼🙏🏼
Wonderful and imaginative take on the prompt Keith. Where some see a staircase you see a generation of history and life lived. Absolutely brilliant! Bravo!
That’s really kind of you Suzette, thanks so much!
You are most welcome Keith. Have a good one!
Very intriguing story, Keith.
Thanks, Indira
Oh, the twist. Great creative writing. Enjoyed reading it.
I’m pleased, thank you!
My pleasure 🙂
Aha! The secret of his grandmother revealed. Excellent storytelling, Keith!
So it seems! Thanks, Nancy.
An unexpected ending. Very good!
For him too! Thanks, Tessa.
No wonder he just had to know. Such a sad tale, but maybe there is hope for the house yet.
I wonder! Thanks, Mimi.
What a twist, I wasn’t expecting that, great story and I love your reading of it.
Thanks for your lovely comment!
Great little story, Keith. Might there be more?
You are third person to ask me that! Let’s see what next week’s picture prompt looks like – you never know!
😉
What gorgeous pics! Lovely. And yes, that moment you walk into Moulin Rouge, you burst into a smile in spire of yourself. I had low expectations, not adoring the fuilm but I really had a great time, and you leave so uplifted.
Thanks Lydia. It was a fun filled riot of music and dance!
Btw, your lovely comment seems to have landed in the wrong place!
Excellent storytelling, Keith. The revelation at the end was an intriguing one.
Thanks for your kind words, Nicole.