A short story

Keith's Ramblings

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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

31 thoughts on “A short story”

  3. Sadje's avatar Sadje Aug 12, 2024 / 17:24

    A very intriguing ending Keith. Maybe there’s more of this tale?
    Thanks for joining in.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Suzette Benjamin's avatar Suzette Benjamin Aug 12, 2024 / 17:29

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Lydia C. Lee's avatar Lydia C. Lee Aug 14, 2024 / 07:26

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings Aug 16, 2024 / 12:31

      Thanks Lydia. It was a fun filled riot of music and dance!

      Btw, your lovely comment seems to have landed in the wrong place!

      Like

      Reply
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