A small car arrived. A man and a woman got out. She smiled as he opened the door for her and ushered to toward me. I stood tall and proud. I was a castle. I felt them fall in love with me and heard their giggly words as they gushed I was perfect. They disappeared and came back with jingly keys. We became a family.
When we started out, you know how love is when it's new; passionate~ about everything. Great care is take to keep everything perfect, pollished and neat. We came together well. I was strong and sheltered them. They painted me, gave me new clothes and filled my soul with laughter and love. Man cared for Woman. They loved each other very much. Man treasured her, giving her flowers and she would laugh and kiss him. There were nights they made me blush and quiver in my foundation. Whew! Thank heavens my lights were out.
It wasn't all wine and roses though. We struggled for a while. There were times when Man and Woman didn't have any money so I had to go without. I understood. I didn't mind that my hat was crooked and needed replacing or that I needed a manicure. I heard the fights and accusations. I winced when she slammed the doors and held her loosely to allow lonely frightened tears when no one else was awake. But those times didn't last. We got back on our feet. We were a good family; Man, Woman and Castle.
"A BABY???" I remember the shrieking and jumping. Oh how happy we were! I thought my cupboards would pop. We grew together and stayed awake nights as the new addition came in and changed us all. We had new priorities. My front door squeaked. My paint chipped. But I loved watching that little baby toddle and tickle my halls. I didn't mind when she colored my walls or swung on my door handles. Some of my best memories were when she dared to slide the banister. I promised I wouldn't tell. It was our secret; tucked away up in my attic.
We lived. We entertained and I wore fancy jewelry at the holidays. We cooked and I was filled with warmth and fabulous food and friends. More babies came and we adjusted; made room and moved along.. We shared promotions, graduations, lost loves and disappointments. We got mad; saying hurtful things and the tears cried could have filled my well out back. There were chips in my floors and my garage door didn't work anymore. But Man and Woman and I dreamed. They promised a porch and rocking chairs. We would sit and watch the sun set. Babies confessed and shared their hearts within me. They grew up around me, from swing sets to cars and I protected them well; loving them more.
Those kids grew and flew. We were left alone again; just us. Retirement visited and we liked it. We were more attentive to each other. I got a new front door and a face lift. Lucky me. We enjoyed these times. But as years stacked up, we slowed. I suffered with their illnesses and forgetfulness. There was the day Woman left the burner on. Man forgot how to get home from Store up the road. Then Man got sick and I began to smell it. My gutters leaked for them. Death came for man and took Woman's happiness and memory. No one could stay in the castle anymore. So I waited. I stared at the road watching other castles with their families; bikes, cars, kids, laughter. I remembered and my shutters drooped. My windows didn't shine much anymore and I felt like I shrank in the rain.
A small car arrived. A man and a woman got out. She smiled as he opened the door for her and ushered to toward me. I stood tall and proud. I am a castle. I felt them fall in love with me and heard their giggly words as they promised I was perfect. My floors creaked and my joists popped with happiness. We became a family.
Something quick but I loved it. I loved the feel of this one. When my partner sent this picture to me I sat down quickly and began. The original was much longer and a little more sad. I think this is pretty good. Thank you for stopping here. I enjoyed sharing with you.
Tess, it is perfect. This story has feeling, emotion, and heart. I have often wondered how a house would feel if it had a soul. You have told its story so well. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. I couldn't have done it without you. This is a favorite I think.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this. There is a huge difference between a house and a home (or a castle).
ReplyDeleteThat is so very true. I am glad you came and enjoyed it. Although it was a little sing songie but I still really liked it. Thank you indeed. You are too kind.
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