I stand up, thrusting my phone into my pocket. Without another thought, I walk out my bedroom door. Even though I live here, at least for now, it feels like I’m sneaking about. Dad never said I couldn’t explore, but it sorta feels like an invasion of privacy. Like I’m in a big hotel and I’m entering into other guests’ rooms.
As if carrying themselves, my feet move of their own accord, and I turn to the right and follow the rest of the hallway. The space continues with the same grandiose architecture—high ceilings, ornate carvings and curving and embellished trim work. Some of the windows even have stained glass that casts a colorful glow into the space.
Practically tiptoeing down the hallway, I reach for the first door handle to the room on the right. The door is unlocked, and I open it. Inside, the room is dark and dusty, with white sheets covering the furniture. Along the left wall is a massive fireplace that looks as though it hasn’t seen a fire in a century.
Stepping tentatively into the room, I lift one of the sheets. Underneath is one of the most beautiful loveseats I’ve ever seen. Its decorative pattern woven into the red fabric, ornately carved woodwork, and curves make me wish I lived in a different time.
“Wow,” I whisper.
Moving on, I go through similar rooms, all with their own furniture buried under sheets and covered in layers of dust. But room after room, nothing stands out in terms of a doorknob or key. If anything, they’re devoid of any extra embellishments beyond the furniture. In addition, none of them seem to have a doorway that resembles the one that was hidden.
In some ways, it’s strange to think only one man lived in this massive house all these years. Of course, now there’s the two of us, but…why would anyone need so much space? Why not just sell it and get a boatload of money?
As I reach the end of the hallway, I stand at the large picture window at the end that faces out to the pond. The view of the pond isn’t obscured like it is from my bedroom and I could see myself coming down here to study from time to time. There are so many rooms to be searched and I’m not closer to finding anything useful. Besides, it’s pretty evident that if there was a doorknob or key—it’s been deliberately hidden or lost with time.
Shaking my head, I whisper, “I should just head back…”
“Ah, there you are,” Dad says from behind me.
The sudden, abrupt interjection makes me jump. I clutch at my chest, bending forward. “Oh, my god, Dad. You scared the daylights out of me.”
“Sorry about that. I went to your room to let you know supper was ready and you weren’t there. So, I went looking for you. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says, quirking a finger over his lips and trying not to laugh.
“I—I hope you don’t mind me exploring a bit. I just figured I’ve been here a while now, but I don’t think I ever really got used to it.”
“I don’t mind at all. It’s your home, too,” he says, a sense of nostalgia lingering in his gaze as it goes slightly distant.
“Thank you, I appreciate that. You know, you’re so different than I remember,” I say, pressing my lips tight. “I mean, I hope that doesn’t sound rude…”
“Don’t worry about it. I get it. You were a seven-year-old girl who only wanted to watch TV and play near the pond unsupervised,” Dad says. “Things were different then.”
“You know, you could have trusted me to stay out of trouble, instead of locking me in my room,” I say, holding his gaze. “Even if you and Mom were fighting, or whatever was going on…”
Confusion flitters across his features and he takes a seat in one of the arm chairs beside me. “Autumn, I never locked you in your room.”
“What do you mean? Of course you did. I only got to leave for meals. It was torture,” I say, my eyebrows tugging in.
“Is that what you think was going on?” Dad says, shaking his head. “No, sweetie. That was you. After the…accident, the only way I could coax you out of your room was with food. There were even plenty of times when you wouldn’t come out for that, so we had to bring your meals to you. Your Mom and I—”
I snicker. “What on earth are you talking about? Accident?”
Dad’s eyes narrow. “Are you—you’re not serious?”
“Dad, honestly, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Rubbing his fingertip across his lips, Dad’s eyelashes flutter furiously. “You know, dinner’s getting cold. I think we should get moving so we can enjoy it while it’s still hot,” he says, abruptly standing. “Hope you like barbecue ribs.”
“I—yes. I do, but Dad, what in the hell are you talking about? I’m so confused. You need to stop and tell me what’s going on,” I demand, crossing my arms.
Sighing deeply, Dad waves a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing, honey. I’m probably just the one getting confused. Let’s get a bite to eat. James will be devastated if it gets cold. We can chat more about everything after we’ve had some food.”
Swallowing hard, I nod. He may think I’ll let this go, but he’ll be sorely mistaken. I do have a bit of Mom in me, after all. But I do have enough of Dad in me to know when to find the opportune moment. “All right, I’ll be right there.”
“Okay, sweetie. Don’t be long. I’ll tell James to get everything dished up.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be right behind you.”
Nodding to himself, he turns quickly and heads down the hallway. In his absence, I’m left with the disorienting sense he’s one more person who’s hiding stuff from me.
Shaking my head, I look out one last time over the wooded space. My eyes scan the landscape, hunting for something, anything to clue my mind
