Surrounded (OFF #2 but only my #1). ;)

It was empty.

It was hers.

She had had her eye on this house for the past seven months as she made frequent stops to the quaint New England town during her business travels.  The tinted fall leaves in the thick woods and quietness of the area had collided with her present big city living, drawing her back time after time.

She had needed out. 

Her life had lost its purpose and everything she had loved was gone.  Suddenly the drone of the big city was too much for her and she found herself back in the small, peaceful town, only this time to stay.

It was the perfect place to start over.

The house had been empty for over a decade, which matched well with her heart.  The purchase was easy and now she walked through its halls, wondering of its history and listening for the stories the two-century-old house held. 

She imagined the families that had lived here.  She thought of the happiness that had once been in this house.  She wanted to imagine this house had never seen sorrow or anger or hurt or pain.  As she walked through each room, she sensed this had once been a joyful place, never yielding to the darkness that can so easily surround.

She had been surrounded by that darkness.

This was her escape.

She paused inside the smaller upstairs bedroom and immediately felt as if she wasn't alone.

Feeling no fear, she walked slowly across the room and placed her hand on the closet door. A cold draft entered the room and she held her breath.

Then she heard a voice she thought she had left forever, and the fear returned.