Board Thread:Writer's Workshop/@comment-36393004-20181002204802

A small cottage nestled at the edge of town sat beneath a rising sun. Just outside the pristine white picket fence stood a sign that read, “Open House”. The cobblestone walkway would lead you to a porch that spanned the length of the home. A beautiful ornate door would greet you with a colorful “Welcome” sign. As you enter the scent of tea tree oil and lavender would fill your nose and remind you of the gardens that surrounded this hidden treasure. That was the narrative the realtor had placed just under the words, “The Quiet Life.”

Mary Sutton quickly tidied the tiny cottage, getting things set just right for the coming visitors. She had always been particular about the positioning of every piece of furniture. She had always placed a bowl of fruit in the entry-way just beside a guestbook. Flowers adorned each counter and table, all hand-picked from the garden adjacent to the home. She would spend hours making sure everything was just right and when the first guest would arrive, she stood smiling happily at their arrival. This routine had been repeated on many occasions but she was always excited, each and every time.

She would introduce herself and give a brief history of the property. She would guide them through each room, pointing out specifics of the materials used in the construction. She would quickly part the curtains of each living space, quickly pointing out the scenery outside. She always made a point to play up the large bay window of the dining room. With a sweeping gesture, she would accent the large portrait of wildflowers the window would reveal. She did all of this with a smile but none of her visitors seemed interested in the cottage.

After hours of little luck, Mary sat down upon the front steps in a huff. Her last visitor for the day had left so abruptly she had not had a chance to show them the garden. In her defeat she slowly rose from her seat, closing the door behind her. She lifted the bowl of fruit that had started to bruise, collected the guestbook that had dozens of names, she would leave the flowers for tomorrow. They had begun to wilt anyway. She slowly made her way to the kitchen, her hand brushing the switch. It flickered to life as she tossed out the apples and oranges. The light faded again as she exited.

“I am starting to think I will never get anyone to stay here,” she whispered to herself before walking down the hallway, still clutching the guestbook.

The sun now set on the tiny cottage and the air grew colder. She had become accustomed to it though. One-by-one she shut out each light. Each curtain drew across the window and she stopped to admire the garden one more time before pulling the largest of them over the bay window. The old wooden rocking chair squeaked to life as she brushed by it, but she was too deep in thought to let it bother her. Then finally she passed through the doorway that led to the basement without even touching it, “It’s so lonely here. I will just have to try harder next time.” 