Secrets

The sky was a deep grey with clouds rolling in as a warning of the storm to come. A light mist had already started and the tiny water droplets seemed to just hang in the air. As if time had stopped in this very moment. The weather fit the occasion perfectly. After all today was my grandfather’s funeral.

The service was small due to us not having any family left, and since he was a recluse he didn't have many friends. I watched as they lowered his casket into the soft earth where he would meet his final resting place. The few that were there dabbed at the tears in their eyes, but mine were dry. I had been my grandfather’s caretaker since I graduated college five years ago. In all that time I was able to get to know him. The real him.

He was a very cruel man, and he and I both knew the only reason I stayed was because he promised to put me in his will. Despite him being a recluse he has acquired quite the fortune. I had no idea what he would be leaving me, but he didn’t have many in his life to give his possessions to.

A man dressed in an all black suit approached me, “My name is Marcus. I’m the executor of your grandfather’s will. I know the circumstances are rather depressing, but would you like me to go over his final wishes now?” I simply nodded and followed him into the church. He took me to a quiet room where we sat in the beige chairs that sat across from each other. We were separated by a small table that sat between us.

Silence filled the room as Marcus sat his briefcase on the table. He opened it and pulled out quite the stack of paper. He cleared his throat, “Let me start by offering my condolences. I know this is a difficult time losing a loved one. Now, in regards to his home he has left that to you along with twenty thousand dollars.”

He paused to let me process. My mind mulled this over ‘Twenty thousand? That’s all? Well I suppose he did leave me the house so at least there's that.’ I nodded to Marcus, “And what of the rest of his money?” He looked back at the papers, “He has left a list of charities and organizations with designated amounts that he wants to donate the remainder of his money to.” Charities? Organizations? I have to admit that I was quite surprised since he didn’t have a charitable bone in his body.

Over the next hour Marcus and I discussed how my grandfather’s will would be executed and what I could expect in the coming weeks. We both stood and Marcus held out his hand for me to shake which I did, “Once again I want to give my deepest sympathies. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call.” I gave a small smile, “Thank you.”

He let go of my hand and exited the room. I took a brief moment to collect myself before following suit and made my way to my car. The drive back to my grandfather’s, or should I say my house, was short. The home before me was large. It was a Victorian style mansion with modern touches. I took my time walking in even though the tiny droplets from earlier had now grown in size and began to soak my hair and clothes.

Once I made it through the doors the house was dark. The air was still and a sense of dread hung in the open space. It was as if the walls were holding their breath with all of the secrets they’ve kept over the years. My room was at the top of the stairs to the right. It felt more like a closet compared to the other more luxurious rooms here. However, I can choose whichever room I like now. I changed out of my wet clothes into something more comfortable before walking down the hall to the room at the end.

A dark cloud loomed over the door. It was my grandfather’s room. I took a deep breath as I opened the door and looked around. Near the window was an old leather wingback chair with a small table that stood at its side. That’s when something caught my eye. A small black notebook sat on the table tightly bound by its leather strap.

I padded over and gently took the book in my hands and unraveled the strap. The pages seemed aged and delicate. The writing was easily recognizable as my grandfather’s. It seemed to be a journal where he wrote down his thoughts. The book was filled with sadness. From the death of his wife to the death of my parents. His immense loneliness was scribbled all over the pages. I came to an entry from a few weeks before his death, ‘It pains me to write this, but I’m not surprised in the least. It would appear that my granddaughter, my last living relative, wishes me dead. I wholeheartedly believe that she plans to act on her desires.’

I snapped the book shut and looked out the window. My heart raced ever so slightly, The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I quickly turned around. Living here for so long I was used to the feeling of always having eyes on me. The house sees all, knows all, and if it could speak it would ruin us all. My eyes looked down at the small book in my hands, and I knew what I had to do.

My feet carried me downstairs into the lounge area where a grand fireplace stood. It didn’t take long for the fire to lick at the brick and burn a bright orange. I tossed the book into the flames and sparks shot up as the fire crackled from the new source of kindling. I went to pour myself a glass of wine before returning to take my seat in front of the fire. The drink was cool against my lips as heat continued to rage on and the book began to turn to ash. This chapter of my life is over and a new one can finally begin. As I settled into my seat and started to relax a loud knock startled me. There’s someone at the door. My eyes dart to the burning notebook in the pit.

The knock sounds again and I make my way to the entryway. I opened the door slowly to reveal a drenched Marcus, “I’m sorry to bother you, but I forgot to have you sign a few papers. May I come in?” I nod and he walked in, gliding past me. He quickly noticed the fire and made his way towards it. Before I could stop him he was standing there with his hands outstretched towards the flames, “That rain really does chill me all the way to the bone. This should remedy it. Then as if time had frozen he stopped all together as his eyes landed on the notebook. There was something in his eyes that made my palms sweat, “Why is this in here?” The tone in his voice made me rethink the simplicity of my current situation.