Read Between the Walls

The Light in the Window

Ever since Lizzie was born, she had lived on Elwood street. Named after the town's prominent business man, James Elwood in 1919, it was only fitting for the mere 24 year old James to build his mansion there. From 1920 to 1988 the Elwood Mansion was occupied by James, his wife Anne, and by 1922, their son Charles. After James's death in 1988 his family moved away, with the home still under the Elwood name.
By 2012 the quite old house sat vacant, surrounded by slightly newer properties. The one right across the street, a charming light blue Cape Cod style house was called home by the Henry family. A bustling household of 5, the Henries paid little attention to the empty house nearby. That is until one night when 15 year old Lizzie noticed a strange glow illuminating from a second story window.
Lizzie decided to share this information with her younger sister, Elaine. Elaine paced the room after hearing Lizzie's news.
"It could be anything over there! An alien! A ghost!" exclaimed Elaine.
"El, it could be nothing. Maybe I was seeing things, or maybe the maid turned on a light," sighed Lizzie.
"You and I both know that's not true. You wouldn't have said anything if you weren't sure. You're always cautious like that. Plus, the maid comes on the first of every month. Today is the 12th," eeplied Elaine while sitting down. "I vote that we go over and check it out!"
"Ellie, we can't do that; it's breaking and entering!" cried Lizzie.
Both girls were silent for a moment, wondering what to do. Finally Elaine spoke.
"It's not breaking and entering if we just get a ladder and look through the window," she said with a small grin.
Lizzie sighed, exploring an old mansion with her eleven year old sister was not exactly what she had hoped for. But, she made the choice to tell Elaine about the light.
"Fine, but if we don't see anything, we don't go back; you understand?" asked Lizzie.
Elaine skipped out of the room happily humming, and Lizzie took that as a yes.