A House Of My Own

Stone

I had been staring out the small window that led to the fire escape when my phone rang. My one room apartment looked directly onto the tall stone wall of a law firm or some other big fancy company. The bricks were a pale orange and they made me unhappy all lined up in rows. It made me miss my forest house, I thought as I answered.
"Day speaking, how may I help you?"

"You got it," she stated, shrilly, excitement brimming in her voice.

"pardon?"

"The cottage, it's yours, they've accepted the offer. As soon as your bank approves the loan and transfers you can move in."

I danced a little jig of happiness, the phone still held to my ear

"Thank you, thank you Lindi, I'll get on it". Cutting the call I quickly began emailing my bank to let them know that the payment was going through.

***

It had been two weeks and my stuff was all packed and making its way, in a large van, up the winding pathway to the cottage. I'd got there a few days before and had spent the time sorting and moving the few bits and pieces still in the house.

For now my things would go in the workshop, while I finish off dusting and cleaning, and then I could start making this place my home.

I began in the bedroom, seeing as it needed the most work. Pulling down the sheets over the window created a cloud of dust that made me cough and splutter before I managed to open the small window for some airflow. It helped, but not much. Then I got to dusting, and sweeping the ceiling, walls and floor before mopping and wiping the walls in the same way. I repeated the process in every room.

By the time I was done it was 6pm and supper was looking like a good idea. Getting to work on the gas top I had found in the discarded camping gear I made myself a pasta dish with fresh tomato and onion sauce. I knew I had to plant a vegetable garden somewhere on the land so I could make home grown food while it was warm outside.

Taking my food I sat on the ground outside my new house. I hadn't realized how bright the city lights made the night until I sat there with nothing but the small light of my cellphone flashlight among the looming silhouettes of the forest.

"Tomorrow", I told myself,,"tomorrow, you will show me your secrets."

Twisting the last if my pasta into my mouth I smiled a small smile, excited at what tomorrow would bring.

***

A/N

I hope all my forest fae readers can live their dreams of home ownership through Day and her dear life.

x JR