The Strength of Silence

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

It has been a few months since I moved in Arcadia Oaks and applied as a history teacher in the high school. I was sitting on the recliner by the fireplace; checking up on the schedule for my next class when a loud THUD resounded from the attic. I internally cursed as my first thought was raccoons and went up to inspect it; perking up with the idea of needing a light snack before doing paperwork, my walk turned into a stalk. I made it up to the attic and looked around but spotted nothing; not even the slightest scent of the vermin.

THUD

I turned my attention to the sound that lead to an open box where I kept all my books. I slowly crept towards it and hesitantly peeked inside; only to find...

A child?!

She must be no younger than five or six years old; with dark brown hair that reached the top of her shoulders and she wore a purple t-shirt with blue jeans. The unknown youngster had a book placed on her head and had her hands covering her eyes...

Does she think if she does that then I can't see her?

I couldn't help but laugh at her attempt at hiding, "You know I can still see you, young lady?"

"No, you can't!"

"I assure you, I can."

She cracked a finger open as a single blue orb peeked at me, "Are you sure?"

"I am quite sure."

The brunette removed her hands to reveal a pouting freckled face and bright crystal blue orbs, "Awww! I was hoping that it would work!"

I shook my head in disbelief before my expression became stern as I crossed my arms over my chest, scolding "Now, what are you doing in my house without my permission or knowledge?"

She looked away guiltily, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude, honestly! I was playing hide and seek with Ma, my hiding spot was the tree between your house and mine, until I saw the box of books through your attic window. I tried to ignore it but my curiosity got the best of me..."

The window? I turned to face it and noticed that it was wide open.

That's right... I left it opened to get some fresh air in here but my house is a two level! Is she saying she climbed that high?!

The sound of sniffles made me snap my attention back to the girl as her eyes sparkled with tears that threaten to spill, "I'm really sorry, mister! I just wanted to look at your books; they just looked so fun to read!"

"Uhh..."

What am I supposed to do?

I don't have experience with children besides teenagers...

Noticing the book still on her head, I gingerly took it off and checked out it's contents.

It's a history book.

I felt my posture soften before kneeling down to her height while taking out a handkerchief as I started to wipe her tears away.

"Shh, Shh... I'm not mad. How could I be when I'm in the presence of another history lover like myself?"

The blue eyed child's cries started to cease, "You're not?"

I smiled gently down at her, "No. But, I almost mistaken you as a raccoon."