The Landlady

Moving has never been Margot's thing. She always felt as though she was being forced to pull herself from the cozy ground where she had established herself. But she was stuck this time. Her previous apartment's rent had increased by almost twenty percent, and her income hadn't kept up with that. And so here she was, hauling her bags up the stairs of an old Victorian house, the exterior of which had faded to yellow, now divided into several flats.

One of her desperate looks had drawn her attention to the "Rooms for Rent" sign. She had called the landlady, Mrs. Finch, and she had responded right away. Her accent gave away that she was from the North, and her voice was friendly and inviting. A sigh of relief went through Margot when Mrs. Finch said that she had a vacancy. She was unsure of the reason at the moment.

Margot hesitated now as she stood at the door. She felt uneasy about the area because of something, maybe its age. She dismissed the emotion. With so few options available to her, she couldn't afford to be fussy.

Before Margot could knock, Mrs. Finch answered the door. Her hair was silver and neatly curled into a bun, and she had keen blue eyes. She was a petite woman, possibly in her fifties. Her clothing was floral, and her smile was so wide Margot's own lips quirked up.

"Margot, my love! You've been anticipated by me! Mrs. Finch raised her hand in exclamation. "Please enter, please enter! You must be worn out from your travels.

Margot entered. The scent of the aged wood and lavender throughout the house was not bad. The interior had creaking floorboards, vintage furniture that spoke of a bygone period, and floral wallpaper that appeared to have been there since the 1950s, giving the space an air of age matching the outside.

As she led Margot into a little hallway, Mrs. Finch remarked, "I hope you'll like it here." The other tenants are rarely home, and it's peaceful. Ideal for someone who requires tranquility

Margot looked at the framed pictures hanging on the walls and nodded. The majority, which were in black and white, featured a younger Mrs. Finch standing next to a variety of strangers. Her attention was noted by the landlady.

"Those are the previous occupants," Mrs. Finch clarified. "I like making a list of all the amazing people who have stayed here.. It enhances the homey feeling of the space.

Margot strained a grin.She shivered, but shrugged and said, "That's nice." Observing strangers' features gazing out from their frames, captured in a moment of indecision, was unsettling.

When they got to the door at the end of the corridor, Mrs. Finch opened the lock with the key. She pushed open the door and declared, "This will be your room." "It's the most elegant one in the home."

With a wooden dresser, a four-poster bed, and a window overlooking the garden, the room was compact yet comfortable. A tiny vase of fresh flowers rested on the nightstand, and a floral bedspread complemented the wallpaper.

Margot remarked, genuinely impressed, "It's lovely." It had a certain charm and coziness that her previous residence lacked.

Mrs. Finch smiled. "I'm really happy you feel that way. Let's get you settled in now. I'll assist you with your bags.

Margot had a trouble-free first week. She started working for a publishing business, which offered her a higher salary than her former position. Her evenings were peaceful, with the sound of pages turning as she read in her room. Her days were occupied with editing manuscripts and responding to emails.

Though she seldom saw the other residents, she occasionally heard voices murmuring through the walls and heard footsteps in the corridor. The only person she routinely interacted with was Mrs. Finch. Whether Margot was leaving or arriving, the landlady always appeared to be around. Offering tea and biscuits, inquiring about Margot's day, and sharing anecdotes from her own background, she was consistently kind.

"Are the other tenants ever seen by you?Margot asked one evening while sipping tea in the kitchen.

Mrs. Finch gave a headshake. Not very frequently. They typically keep to themselves. Youth, perpetually preoccupied with their jobs or social lives.

Margot nodded, but she couldn't get rid of the uneasy sensation she had. The house was unusually silent for being purportedly occupied. Not even one other car has ever shown in the driveway.

Unable to sleep one night, Margot ventured out into the hallway. The only sound in the quiet house was the grandfather clock somewhere in the shadows ticking away. She walked by the framed pictures, stopping to give them a closer inspection. Though she hadn't seen it before, there was a sadness and desire in their eyes despite their smiles.

She proceeded down the corridor in the direction of the rooms she thought belonged to the other renters. She came to a stop at the first door and put her ear to it. Stillness. The doorknob was locked when she attempted to use it. It was the same at the next door and the next. Everybody locked, nobody talking.

She began to feel uneasy. She went back to her room, but she was unable to fall asleep. Her thoughts were racing as she lay awake, gazing up at the ceiling. Too still, too vacant in the house.

When she awoke the following morning, Mrs. Finch was humming as she made breakfast in the kitchen. Margot made the decision to approach her and inquire about the other renters, but Mrs. Finch spoke first.

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She turned to Margot and smiled sweetly, "I have a favor to ask, dear." "I wanted to ask if you could watch the house for me while I go out for a while."

After hesitating, Margot nodded. Naturally, she replied.

Mrs. Finch grinned more broadly. Fantastic! I was aware of your dependability.I'll be back in a couple of hours.

She then hurried out of the kitchen, leaving Margot alone herself. With the silence closing in on her, the house felt even more empty. With her footsteps resonating on the wooden floor, she meandered aimlessly.

She was overcome by curiosity. She went back to the locked doors and gave them a try. Even though they were still locked, she felt compelled to check inside and gain knowledge.

After going back to her room, she discovered a hairpin and used it to pick the lock on the closest door. Her heart pounded as she pushed it open once it clicked.

There was nobody in the room. empty inside, not even a single item of furniture. The floor was coated with dust, and the air felt musty, as though it hadn't been touched in a long time. She proceeded to try the subsequent rooms. Same as it is, empty.

A shiver went through her. She quickly made her way back to her room, took out her phone, and contacted Mrs. Finch. The call went directly to voicemail.

Margot had trembling hands. It was as if she were a mouse in a cage. She had to get out of this house, she had to get out. However, she heard the sound of the front door opening as she collected her suitcase and made her way to the door.

With her smile intact, Mrs. Finch stood in the doorway. With a voice full of warmth, she said, "Leaving so soon, dear?"

Heart racing, Margot forced a smile. She stumbled, "I... I just remembered something I need to do."

Mrs. Finch maintained her smile. Yes, it can wait, I assure you. Please take a seat. Let's talk.

After hesitating, Margot nodded. There was nothing for her to do. She felt as though she had committed a grave error, and she followed Mrs. Finch back into the kitchen.

She understood that the house wasn't deserted. It was occupied. brimming with secrets, recollections, and the others who had come before her. those who had never departed. She was now one of them.