‘Prices have gone up in the past year so it’s a good time to sell. I think the market will bottom out by the beginning of next year.’
‘Right. So, do you think it’ll sell quite quickly then? The thing is, I’ve just been told the paperwork will be ready for my new home by the end of the month. I’m looking at leaving as soon as I can.’
‘Yeah, that’s not a problem. We can keep the keys in the office, and we’ll notify you of any offers, don’t worry. At least you won’t have to come back and empty it all,’ he says, looking around the practically empty living room. I notice how he eyes up the bean bag I removed from Hannah’s room to use in place of the sofa that I let the clearance guys take.
‘Yes, well, I’m eager to get over there.’
‘I can see. Right, I’ll put it on the market immediately and keep you updated.’
‘Great. That simple, hey?’
‘Yeah, very simple. Houses around here don’t stay on the market for too long. I’ll get the photos up on our website by the end of the day.’
It surprises me how calm I feel. I thought I might be nervous when this beautiful family home we all loved so much finally went up for sale. My younger self would have been horrified, but it feels like freedom. Downsizing isn’t a bad thing in the slightest, and I don’t know why anyone would be afraid of it. I certainly won’t miss mowing the third-of-an-acre lawn every summer. This is all for the best.
However, while I am comfortable with my decision to sell, I have an urge to call Hannah. I need to hear her voice inside this house once again. I press on video call so that she can have a look around one final time.
‘Hiya, love.’
‘Hi, Mam. Everything okay?’
‘Yes, absolutely wonderful. I just wanted to tell you that the estate agent has been around and the house is going on the market this week. I’ve already emptied it. You want to see it?’
‘Yeah, I’d like that. I still can’t believe my family home is going.’
I look at her in her t-shirt and shorts. Her mousy-brown hair has already gone a little more golden from the sun out there. Seeing her reminds me just how much I miss her. Is it selfish of me to secretly wish my baby girl could have stayed small forever and not grown up?
‘I know, but you’re so far away now.’
‘Well, what if I fly back? Shall I come and see you?’
‘Oh goodness, no. You enjoy yourself there. Don’t even think about coming back. You’ve not been there that long. Besides, you know how long the flight is.’
‘I know, but I’m worried you might be making a mistake. Once our home’s gone, it’s gone forever.’
‘I get that, but I’m rattling around here. I don’t use half the rooms. It’s a waste of money paying council tax bills and keeping this just for myself.’
‘Yeah, I guess.’
‘Look, I’ve already worked out that if something goes wrong in Amsterdam, which I hope it doesn’t, then I can always buy something small. There are always the retirement flats.’ I laugh, hoping Hannah realises I am kidding.
‘No, anything but those,’ she jokes.
‘You see, it could always be worse. Now, where’s your sense of adventure? You’re the first one to love a change of scenery.’
‘Yeah, I guess you’re right. So, go on then, show me the house one last time.’
I show Hannah around the kitchen first.
‘I finally got rid of the cuckoo clock. It did nearly kill me though.’
‘Oh, Mam, I never liked that thing. I’m quite sure I pulled the cuckoo out because he was freaking me out. I’ve always been a bit weird about birds because of that thing.’ Hannah is laughing but I can’t work out whether we genuinely scarred her for life and she needs therapy because of that silly cuckoo clock.
‘Oh, he was only on a spring.’
‘I know, but the way he shot out like that. Frightened the life out of me.’
‘Bless. Well, he’s finally gone in the bin now. You want to see your bedroom?’ I head upstairs to show Hannah her old room, hoping she doesn’t get upset seeing it empty.
