Waking Up as in Coming Home

Welcome to the Crain

It's the beginning of the year. A university student, Sarah, gets the news from her friends in the neighborhood saying the Crain is hiring a housekeeper/babysitter. It's no harm to meet the Crain at the weekend. Besides, she can earn some money for the living. But there are quite a few people warn her about Olivia Crain.

"Why do u even wanna meet the Crain? They are weird." The neighbor asks.

"Why not? I mean I'm alone and I need to earn some money" Sarah shrugs.

"There are all kinds of rumours about the family, especially Olivia Crain. People say shes a witch that she's into some dark, occult practices. Always wandering the house at odd hours, talking to herself etc"

Sarah furrows her brows skeptically. "That doesn't necessarily mean she's a witch or anything. Maybe she has insomnia or stuff like that. I mean I talk to myself all the time. Besides, u guys sound like u have been stalking her."

"Trust us, Sarah. There's something off about that woman. I heard she has these...visions. Sees things that aren't there. And the way she looks at children..it's like she's sizing them up" the neighbour leans in close and lowers her voice. "I'd keep a distance from her if I were u"

"Well, I'm 20 not a kid anymore. Thank u very much. I'll call a cop and run away if she's sizing me up. But I'm still going to meet with them. I need the money. A little weirdness doesn't scare me off. Maybe I can get a little insight into what's really going on with this family." Teresa takes a sip of her tea and sits back.

"Your funeral, girl. Don't say I didn't warn you"

The neighbours get up and leave the girl with her tea.

Sarah shakes her head and keeps enjoying her tea. There's a secret that no one knows about Sarah. She was born with psychic ability. She sees things too. More than that, growing up in Malaysia gives her exposure to weird things.

A small part of her wonders if she's making a mistake but her gut is telling her to find the Crain somehow. Usually, during moment like this, she will follow her guts and heart. Maybe she can finally find someone who can understand the unique gift she has.

Sarah goes to the Crain at 10am on Saturday. She presses the doorbell.

"Must be the uni student" Hugh Crain gets up to get the door. Olivia follows.

"Hello! U must be Sarah" Hugh greets the young girl.

"Hello Mr and Mrs Crain"

"Please call us Hugh and Olivia"

Over the years Sarah has developed a habit of scanning a new place with her third eye. People don't even notice that since she never shows it in action.

'Nothing is wrong with this family' Sarah thinks to herself.

"Come in! It's freezing out there" Olivia says.

Sarah detects no major disturbances or darkness within the household. The atmosphere is relatively calm and warm, despite the rumours she has heard from the neighbours.

"We're so glad you could come meet with us." Olivia says, her voice is soft and gentle. Sarah holds her gaze onto Olivia. Nothing overt would indicate the 'witch-like' behaviour described, at least Sarah doesn't feel any strange energy or see any strange aura around Olivia. "Hugh and I have been looking for the right person to care for our children. We have five, you know, quite a handful"

"I'm used to a lot of energy. I come from a kampung in Malaysia. I mean village" Sarah chuckles to her words. "Sorry. Sometimes my Malay slips out without knowing"

"Wow you're Malaysian"

"Malaysian Chinese. Anyway, kids in my village run around all day. We run on the hill. So I'm so used to a lot of energy"

"If u don't mind me asking, what made u decide to be a babysitter for our children? I know there are some...interesting things about us in the neighbourhood." Hugh asks.

"Seeing is believing. Besides I never met u. Why would I believe something that someone said who has never met u either?"

"Wise. Well, the truth is we are going through a difficult transition right now. We'll be moving to Hill House, our summer house soon and we wanted to find someone reliable to help us during the process"

Sarah nods slowly. "I see. Well, I'd be more than happen to lend a hand if u will have me, that is"

The Crain parents share a small smile. "We were hoping you'd say that. When can u start?" Hugh replies.

Sarah raises her eyebrows slightly, a bit surprised by the Crain's eagerness to hire her on the spot. "That's...good to hear but don't u think it would be a good idea for me to meet the children first? Just make sure we hit it off?"

"That's a fair point. Why don't u come by tomorrow and spend some time with the kids? I'm sure they will like u" Olivia suggests.

"Sure! Tomorrow that is!" Sarah smiles.