AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Right,” he agreed. “I’ll, umm, leave you to it then. If you change your mind and decide this isn’t for you, here’s my card.” He handed a business card to Emma, and she accepted it.
“Fred,” she read his name. “Thank you. I appreciate the gesture. Enjoy your afternoon.”
“Ma’am,” he said it with a tilt of his head, then Fred the taxi driver took off down the road, fading into the distance.
Emma stared up at the house once more, then with a long sigh, she picked up her bags and started for the front door. With the key in her trembling hand, she pushed it into the keyhole. As she turned the key in the lock, a wave of anticipation washed over her. She pushed the door open, and immediately, a gust of warm, salty air enveloped her. The house seemed to welcome her, its interiors bathed in soft, ethereal light.
She wasn’t sure what to expect, but comfort was not it.
Emma stepped into the unknown, her eyes wide with wonder. She had no idea who this aunt was or that she’d had any family, yet here she was, standing in a house that held the secrets of her past.
The interior of the house was both enchanting and eerie. Dust particles danced in the sunbeams that filtered through the tall windows, casting a mystical glow over the room. A large chandelier hung over the entryway of the home, and Emma's footsteps echoed through the empty halls as she explored the different rooms, each filled with antique furniture and faded photographs.
In one room, Emma discovered a study lined with bookshelves, their spines filled with volumes on the occult, paranormal phenomena, and ancient lore. It seemed her mysterious aunt had a fascination with the supernatural, just like Emma herself. As she ran her fingers along the worn spines of the books, she felt a strange connection to the woman she had never known.
Lost in her thoughts, Emma's attention was drawn to a small, intricately carved wooden box on the desk. She opened it cautiously, revealing a collection of aged letters tied together with a satin ribbon. She fumbled the ribbon with shaky fingers, the nerves and elation over today, she untied the letters and began to read them, each one unveiling a fragment of her family's hidden history.
My dearest Emma,
If you’re reading this, then I have passed on and this house now belongs to you. As I sit down to write this letter, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of responsibility and excitement. It is my duty, as the bearer of our family's ancestry, to share with you what you need to know about your birthplace and birthright. There is indeed much to know and learn, and I implore you to embrace this knowledge with an open mind and a courageous heart.
Our family's history is deeply intertwined with this home. It has stood for over a century, witnessing the ebb and flow of time.
Within the walls of our ancestral home lies a secret door that will lead you to triumphs and trials, joy and sorrow, and the echoes of those who came before us. It is a place where the past converges with the present, where the veil between worlds grows thin, and where the unknown reveals its secrets.
If you do decide to accept this fate, it is crucial to approach it with an open mind. There may be things you see or hear that challenge your beliefs or stretch the boundaries of your understanding. But remember, dear Emma, that knowledge often resides in the shadows of the unfamiliar. It is in those moments of uncertainty and wonder that we grow, evolve, and embrace the beauty of the unknown.
Allow destiny to guide you. Let the gentle whispers find a home in your heart and illuminate the path ahead. Just as our ancestors before us, we are but vessels for the flow of time, linked by an unbreakable chain that binds us to our roots.
As you embark on this journey, remember that you are not alone. Though they may be unseen, we all walk beside you. Draw strength from us, our resilience, and our unwavering love. We are the pillars upon which our legacy stands.
May your journey be one of enlightenment, for within the embrace of our family's history lies the power to transform and shape your own destiny. Remember, never be afraid to explore, to question, and to let destiny into your heart.
With all my love,
Matilda
Emma folded the letter and held it in her grasp. Mind blown, the letter was written as if she were talking to Emma in the here and now. She stared at the parchment for another moment before she shook herself free.
As night fell, Emma realized how dark the house grew. Shadows fell across the floor, and she shivered slightly. Since the electric had been shut off, she couldn’t flick on a light. Finding a candle near the kitchen counter, she lit it and carried it over to settle into a cozy armchair, surrounded by the letters and her aunt's mystical belongings. The house seemed to come alive with whispers and distant echoes as if the spirits of the past were eager to reveal their secrets to her.
It was as if Matilda was talking to her now. Or maybe it was just her imagination. Emma never believed in the supernatural or otherworldly things. Everything could be explained with science.
She found more letters with more lore of magic and embraced her destiny. With each page she turned, Emma's understanding of who she hoped her aunt would be began to shift.
Who was this person? What sort of cult did she follow because of all of this? It was just outrageous.
As the candle flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls, Emma made a decision. She would make every attempt to embrace her legacy, delve deeper into the enigmatic past of her family, and uncover the truth that had been concealed behind this… door. She would honor her aunt's memory by exploring what she wanted to her to seek, however, the paranormal realm that fascinated her aunt was nothing more than make-believe in books to Emma.
She closed her eyes and felt a sense of purpose. The Florida Keys held more than just a house; they held the answers she had been seeking in who her family was, different or not, but the paranormal aspect would have to take a backseat.
As Emma drifted in and out of sleep in the armchair, she couldn't help but wonder what other surprises and revelations awaited her in the days to come. Maybe there was something behind this mysterious door, or maybe it was all in the head of her aunt.
Whatever the reason, she’d find this door and prove to herself there was nothing on the other side.
But what if there is?
Emma gasped and sat forward in her seat. “Who said that?”
