When I think about my days now, it’s hard to believe I’m the one living them. Stepping out of the cab, I began the familiar walk to my house. The cab can’t take me all the way—my house is tucked into the woods, down a path that’s too narrow for most cars. It’s a beautiful place, really, with its classic triangular roofs and sturdy walls, too large for just me. Three big rooms, a kitchen, a living room, and several other odd little spaces that I haven’t figured out how to use.
“Hey, Nora!” a familiar voice called out. “Lost in your thoughts again?”
I turned to see Jude, my friend and closest neighbor. She’s been my one true companion since I moved here two months ago. In a life as busy—and admittedly dull—as mine, I never expected to make a friend so easily. But Jude just gets me. She’s friends with the owner of my house, and from day one, she made it her mission to help me feel at home. Somewhere in those late-night talks and quiet evenings on her porch, she went from kind neighbor to someone I couldn’t imagine my life without. And now, she’s about to marry the love of her life, Spencer.
“What’s up, Jude?” I asked, smiling as I made my way over. “Have you picked a gown yet?”
“Yes, everything’s all set,” she said, though I could see a hint of worry in her eyes. “But, Nora, I’m so nervous. What if something goes wrong?” She reached for my hands, pulling me toward her door, and we settled onto her living room sofa.
“Nothing’s going to go wrong, Jude,” I assured her, squeezing her hands. “Spencer’s amazing, you’re amazing, and your friend here isn’t so bad, either.” I raised an eyebrow, giving her a playful smile.
“I know, I know. It’s just… nerves,” she said, laughing as she opened a can of soda and handed it to me. “I can’t wait to start our life together. Spencer’s moving in after the wedding—he works nearby, so it’s perfect. I’m excited for everything.” She looked at me with that warm, eager glow only Jude could have. “What about you, Nora? Met anyone interesting today?”
“Not quite. The only people I meet are patients, and my job pretty much boils down to operating on them,” I said with a shrug. “Honestly, my life’s gotten so dull that I’m starting to miss my ex.” I took a sip of the soda.
"Can you please not talk about him today? He gives me the ick. He was an ass," Jude said, rolling her eyes, clearly irritated.
"I'm so romance-deprived, honey. I’m going crazy," I sighed, stretching my arms long above my head before yawning. "Anyway, I’ve got to head out. But let’s meet at the cafe tomorrow. We can have a proper chit-chat session." I got up, fixing my hair and shirt before giving Jude a quick hug. She stayed seated, still annoyed that I’d brought up my ex. She’d never even met him, yet somehow, she despised him on my behalf.
"Bye," I called, stepping away.
"Bye, Nora," she replied with a resigned smile.
Leaving her house, I started toward mine, just a hundred steps or so down the quiet, tree-lined path. It always struck me as ironic how tranquil my walk home was compared to the chaos of my work life. I’m a surgeon at the local hospital. The hours aren’t always long, but the mental toll of being “on” all day exhausts me. I finally reached my doorstep, rifling through my bag for the keys. There, beside the door, was the slightly askew nameplate: Dr. Nora Sinclair. It was Jude’s housewarming gift when I moved in, a little reminder of the warmth she’d brought into my life. I reached up, gently straightening it before unlocking the door and slipping inside.
Crossing the spacious living room, I made my way to my bedroom, peeling off my work clothes. This place was far larger than I needed—almost mansion-like. I’d never be able to afford a house like this, but the landlord barely seemed interested in the money. I got lucky, no doubt. Still, the place had a strange presence at night, a subtle eeriness that never quite went away.
