The House

By SW Carter

Kelly built the house of her dreams on the nightmares of the past.  Yes—her floors were made of disappointment, her walls were composed of hate, and her roof was carved out of betrayal.  Those who once appreciated love, left from the frame, decorated the tiles below in tapestries of leather.  She kept secrets, all within herself.

The neighbors avoided the house, complaining of a smell.  A smell’s source they seemed oblivious to.  Perhaps some knew, but never told Kelly.  As they saw her at the supermarket, only sweat and small talk possibly followed.

Kelly needed no friends, for her house’s wails comforted her.  One really prepared themselves if they chose to exist in her town.  It, after all, was only her town.  Any governing officials left, long since disintegrating into forced retirement.  Whispers echo that many of them took to her gardens.

Oh, Kelly, a different you existed in the past.  The one who trusted, loved, smiled, and laughed; then said goodbye long ago.  I suppose it always existed deep inside you, but you kept it in.  What did they do to hurt you?  Do you find it better now that you constructed that abominable mansion on the north side of town?

The house still groans in the night, perhaps it too remembering better times.  It crawls to life in the full moon, lording over the quiet village.  Some left town to avoid its presence, but they always return.  A home is where the heart is, and this house obtained many.  Nearly everyone in the town found themselves bound by its spell, cursed to always crawl back under the haunting shadow.

We know Kelly releasing the town is impossible.  It’s simply the secret we never address anymore.  So, smile at Kelly.  At least let her think you like the house to.  It’s the least you can do, as you are a part of it too.