WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

Challenge 4" The train ride home."

To clarify, I am not particularly fond of trains, however, I am not afraid of them. "I don't enjoy the idea of sitting in a metal cylinder, connected to another metal cylinder in a series of chains, traveling at 60-80 miles per hour, on a track that could Bend at any time without a seatbelt! However, I'm not afraid of them." was my exact statement.

William tried to comfort me on the deathtrap by asking me if the word "snack" was in my vocabulary, and After confirming I knew what a snack was, he bought me A green tea and a small cake; I never had the pleasure of trying that beverage, and the cake was strawberry and sweet. Up to that moment, I never thought that much of sweets but that cake was marvelously paired with the bitterness of the tea, it was so calming I forgot about the tube of death. I was content When I was full, but William told me I was allowed to want something.

And ask for it.

"Anything I want."

"Of course, what would you like?"

"Then would you like to play chess"

William's eyes lit up and he happily agreed and set up a small board for us to play.

We reached Williams Manor. It might be due to my childlike imagination or perhaps merely William eccentricity, but It was more normal than I expected. The manner was pleasantly calming, I am happy that it isn't intimidating. The manor was made of bricks, and has white columns. pretty Jade windows, accentuated the burgundy door's gold inlaid designs. As he opened them I felt a rush I can't describe in words, the inside was detailed with such passionate carvings into vibrant silver tapestry it felt like it was a painting. In the center of the main hall was a large crystal chandelier that lorded over a beautiful purple piano with silver keys. To me, it looked beautiful. "She should be done making your room, third door on your right" I was then pointed to the stairs, and I found my legs moving without instruction. He called out to me and declared that dinner should be ready as if I knew where to go, but no question left my lips. I made it up the stairs and found the door he described.

I opened the room, to be met with this unexplainable warmth. It was a simple room, but still full of something that I didn't know before. The feeling was so intense I felt drunk on it. I reveled in my moment of emotional inebriation.

"I made your room for you; I hope it's to your liking." I was startled by a voice that came from behind me.

"WHO!?" I could only muster one word

" But, I did the best I could. I did not know who you would be." I turned around to find a beautiful scarlet haired woman in an apron. She seemed to be near Williams age, her dress was white and surprisingly plain, or maybe that was my childishness still trying to separate reality from the fiction I read in books, But she was strikingly pretty like a fairy tale would suggest.

" so you're the child William has chosen?" She seemed to pause. "I was expecting a boy...a much younger boy."

I already knew what she meant, I was thirteen, and that was old enough for me to realize that being someone's first choice was wishful thinking at best. The events leading up to this moment had just occurred so quickly that I had forgotten, or maybe I just wanted to forget.

"Well, I am not too disappointed. A boy would have a lot of work." I couldn't tell if she was joking or sincere.

"Are you William's wife?"

"Oh are you feeling anxious? " she smiled

"What do you mean?"

"Just teasing dear, we must do something about that sense of humor" she sighed "I am the caretaker and maid of the house, a pleasure to meet you." she curtseyed and gestured for me to follow and with that, I would be escorted to the aforementioned "dining hall".