The Haunting Legacy

Part one-Inheritance of Shadows

Standing in the room full of my relatives I begin to see my grandfather's attorney become the center of attention while he reads out his will in an emotionless mumble.

"And to my lovely granddaughter Mollie Henderson,I leave my fortune of 1 million dollars.."

The attorney pauses and glances at the paper and then back at my family who is now staring in awe that I just received all of this money.

eh ehm

The man begins to clear his throat as he begins to read the rest of what is written down.

"To receive this generous amount of money, there is one condition. You must take care of my house, it was built in the 1920's so you must be very careful to maintain its perfect condition."

I begin to move a small piece of my thick, dark brown hair behind my ear as i can feel everyone's gazes move towards me
The weight of the moment hung heavy in the room. My mind raced with thoughts of what this meant for my future. The attorney's eyes seemed to bore into mine, emphasizing the gravity of the task at hand.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded, determined to honor my grandfather's wishes.
"I accept the responsibility,"
I said firmly, and the room erupted in whispers and murmurs as my relatives exchanged surprised glances.
As the attorney continued to read the will, I couldn't help but wonder about this old house. What secrets and memories were hidden within its walls, dating back to the 1920s?
The room seemed to close in on me as I contemplated the house's mysterious history. My grandfather had been a man of few words, and I knew very little about his life before I was born. I wondered if the house held the key to understanding him better.
"Mollie."
My thoughts were interrupted by a soft whisper, and a light tug on my skirt. I glance to my right to find my brother, his light tug becoming a strong grip.
"I don't like grandpa's house.."
His breath becomes shaky as he continues.
"..his house is creepy,"
I bent down to meet my brother's frightened gaze, reassuring him with a gentle smile.
"Don't worry, buddy. We'll make the house beautiful and welcoming. I promise it won't be creepy anymore. We'll fill it with love and laughter."
His grip on my skirt relaxed a bit, and he managed a small, hesitant smile in return. My heart swelled with a sense of responsibility not just towards my grandfather's wishes but also towards my brother who would be a part of this new chapter in the old house.
As the attorney finished reading the will, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and worry about the journey ahead. The house was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a link to my family's past, and now, it will be a significant part of our future.
Patting my brother on his head i bend down and in a soft whisper i ask him a question that i knew would cheer him up
"Hey Felix,how about you pick your room out in the new house."
My brother's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of choosing his own room. He let go of my skirt and jumped up with newfound enthusiasm, his earlier fear forgotten.
"Really?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike wonder.
I nodded and ruffled his hair. "Of course! You get to pick the best room in the house, and we'll decorate it just the way you like."
He couldn't contain his joy as he started chattering about all the things he wanted in his new room, from posters of his favorite superheroes to a cozy reading nook. As he prattled on, I couldn't help but smile.
"As soon i get the keys well head over and check it out, but you better leave me a good room"  i chuckle as i see him smile
My brother giggled, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'll pick the best room for you too, sis, promise!" he declared with youthful enthusiasm.
The attorney finished reading the will, and the room gradually settled down.
A few days later I returned to the attorneys office with my brother to receive the keys to the house.
"Ugh I'm so glad that you and I can finally move out of that dingy apartment," I say as my mouth curves into a smile as I glance at my brother.

As we received the keys to my grandfather's house, my brother and I exchanged excited glances. The weight of the responsibility and the promise to bring life to the old house rested on our shoulders.
Walking out of the attorney's office with the keys in hand, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The transition from our dingy apartment to this historical house was a significant change. It was a fresh start, and we were ready to make it a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
We drove to the house, parked the car, and approached the entrance.
But my attention to the house gets cut short as I see a tall man kneeling in the front garden of the house.
"Excuse me?" I say in a stern voice to this unfamiliar man.
His head turns slowly and our eyes meet. Confusion plastered on his face,
"Who are you." His voice was raspy and strong.
"I'm the new owner of this house. Now you answer me, who are you."
At this point my brother is standing behind me gripping onto my arm.
"Oh." Getting out of the garden he extended his dirt covered hand and his mouth twisted into a smile.
"I'm Edward, the grounds keeper,"
I extend my hand grabbing him and shake firmly.
"Aren't you young to be a groundskeeper"
I begin to think that this guy is around twenty, he looks about my age but my thought was cut off by his response.
"I'm 24, so I wouldn't say I'm that young."
his disheveled appearance suggested that he had been hard at work. As we exchanged pleasantries, I couldn't help but notice the genuine smile that crossed his face, and his easy going demeanor put me at ease.
"Well we're going to head inside, it was lovely to meet you" I say a goofy smile still on my face
"Well I don't doubt I'll see you around. I work her after all"
As we made our way inside the old house, the atmosphere felt heavy with history and secrets. The creaking of the wooden floors and the shadows dancing along the walls created an eerie yet intriguing ambiance. I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine.
My brother's earlier comment about the house being "creepy" echoed in my mind, and I couldn't deny that there was something unsettling about it.
The house was dimly lit, and the air was thick with dust. As we explored the various rooms, I couldn't help but wonder about the history of each one. Family portraits hung on the walls, and I realized how little I knew about my grandfather's life.
But as i was wandering around i could hear my brother shout something, snapping back to reality i swing my head quickly around.
"Look at this room Mollie! I want this room to be mine!"
My once puzzled face has slowly turned into a smile and I begin to walk towards him watching my feet as the floorboards creak beneath me.