.
.
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The family home had remained empty for years. After my parents passed away, I’d never got around to selling it. Partly I suppose, because I didn’t want anybody else to have it. It was where I grew up. Even though it was impractical for me to live there, it was my home and I wanted it to remain so.
However, there came a time when common sense supplanted emotion, and I had to consider letting go.
Going inside for the first time in ages was a poignant experience, especially when I ventured into the room that had been mine since my childhood. Everything was just as I remembered it. Everything, except for an old book that sat on the desk.
It was covered with dust and made a strange creaking sound as I prised it open. What happened next was surreal, almost as if it wasn’t happening at all … only it was.
I heard a voice.
At first, I didn’t recognise it. Then I realised it was the young me.
It started telling me things; things I’d always wanted to ask about but never had, for fear of what I might hear. Scared of facing the truth.
In those few moments, I discovered things about myself I’d rather not have known. My mind started spinning.
I slammed closed the book, and a cloud of dust rose into the air. I swear I heard the sound of laughter, the sort of laugh that suggested I’d been taken for a fool, told things that were nothing but folly.
I’ve not returned since, nor shall I
.
Thanks to Sadje for posting her What Do You See? photo prompt.
Image credit; Dollar Gill @ Unsplash
Love this foray into fantasy Keith. The question we are too afraid to ask! Very interesting take. Thanks for joining in.
I’m sure it’s not just me! Thanks, Sadje.
You’re always welcome
sometimes the past gets too close –
It has a way of catching up!
dun-dun-dun-DUN!
Thanks, David!!!
Something about the Fates wanting us to see ourselves the way they do … or something like that.
You could well be right, Misky!
Oh, this was very good, Keith! I was spellbound. Bravo!
That’s what I like to hear! Thanks, Nancy.
Ooh, scary!! Well done, Keith.
Thanks so much, Chris.
This was wonderful interpretation of the photo. Too much knowledge is not always a good thing!
And it laughed at him, to boot!
Thanks Dale, how right you are! Boo to the book, I say!
Haha! Poor guy wasn’t expecting that!
Great take on the prompt. Sigh..sometimes a moment back in the past is sometimes left a closed book. Well done Keith.
Indeed. Thanks, Suzette.
Wow a talking diary, that reveals secrets of your past – that could be dangerous, a great story, Keith. Well done.
It could be, especially if someone was listening in! Thanks, Mason.
No kidding, that’s worse than a snitch!
I like the fantasy twist in this 🙂
I’m pleased, thanks so much!
Great tale, just the right touch of suspense. One thought: if we could look back now and see ourselves as we were then, we’d know why our parents sighed so often. 😉
Haha, that’s a very good point!
Home is where you make it. This was a chilling tale.
Very true, thanks, Mimi.
That was quite a cliff hanger I’d say and maybe there could be a sequel or better still a prequel. 🙂
Good one, Keith for this wonderful prompt.
Now thats something I would never want to happen with me! I love how you wove fantasy into the tale that started so realistically. Well done!
An interesting take, Keith.
Well done Keith … I’d have loved to known more about my parent’s life – but my father died young, and my mother decided nothing needed to remain – after all it was her history. I’ve enough and can work out the rest … no children, so in that respect no worries. Great tale you’ve told here … cheers Hilary
It sounds like some dreams I’ve had before!