The Cursed House

THE CURSED HOUSE

By

Lily Finch

Albert and Abigail

Albert Jaekal, a self-made coffee mogul, achieved remarkable success by twenty-two after graduating at the top of his class from Harvard University with an MBA. He launched Jaekal Coffee as CEO and, at twenty-six, met Abigail, a stunning woman who captivated his heart.

Overwhelmed with happiness when she accepted his invitation to the opera, Albert felt luck was on his side. As their relationship blossomed, Albert and Abigail discovered a shared passion for decorating and design, fueling their dreams of building an exquisite mansion filled with children's laughter. They decided on a two-year engagement, postponing their marriage until they finished their dream home. At their engagement party, with family and friends present, Albert proposed to Abigail. He gave her an extraordinary two-carat red diamond ring, unlike anything anyone had seen before.

Excited, Abigail whispered in his ear, “Wow!” Albert, this is magnificent. In the ballroom, they danced and expressed their love, inviting their parents to celebrate. Tragedy struck when Abigail's parents died in a horrific car accident while they were on their way to show them the house they had been constructing.

“Abi, I’m sorry, dear. Feel free to take your time. There’s no rush from my end,” Albert comforted her, but he felt the pressure of running his coffee company. Due to financial issues, he flew to Kenya to oversee crop harvesting and distribution centre operations. After their wedding, Abigail and Albert settled into the mansion overlooking River Falls, a charming town famous for its beautiful harbour and fertile farming land, just a short drive from the city. Abigail hired a local gardener to cultivate herbs and vegetables for canning in the backyard. As Albert worked long hours in Kenya, Abigail felt lonely in their king-sized bed. The letters from her husband briefly alleviated her solitude, but her dreams grew more intimate, fueling her desire for companionship.

One night in May, under a full moon, insomnia struck as she envisioned where to plant flower beds. Worn out from planning, she dozed off with her pencil still in hand. The symphony music echoed through the house, awakening her, a haunting reminder of the ballroom she had once dreamed of sharing with Albert.

Fear surged within her as she grasped the candlestick given by Albert's great-aunt on their wedding night, believing it would offer her protection.

“Is that you, James?” This is no longer funny!“She called out, her voice shaky yet defiant. Abigail, believing it was a prank by her friend James, descended the stairs in her sentimental housecoat from her mother. The living room greeted her with a jarring sound—the radio was on. She turned off the music with a nervous laugh, thinking it was James playing tricks. As she began to retreat, the radio suddenly blared back to life. Frowning, she unplugged it, hoping to silence it for good, and returned to bed, relief washing over her with the quiet.

The following night, the strange events resumed. While reading in the study, she heard laughter and music from the ballroom. Fear gripped her as she wondered if Albert had planned a surprise party for her, returning early from his trip. An unsettling feeling kept her anchored to her seat despite her curiosity. Unfamiliar voices and sounds echoed through the mansion, making her wonder about the secrets concealed within its walls. The sun's warm touch awakened Abigail. She dressed, walked downstairs, and entered the garden through the rear door. She spent the morning pulling weeds until James, the hired hand, arrived.

"Good morning, Miss Abigail," he said. James Jefferson stood six feet tall, nearing fifty, with broad shoulders, large hands, and brown skin.

"Good morning, James," Abigail began.

"It's a beautiful day for working in the garden," James said.

"Yes, it is. I've removed most of the weeds," she grinned.

"I'll get the rake," he replied, moving to fetch it.

Abigail watched him walk down the hill to his truck. For a tall man of his age, he was agile. She entered the house and went upstairs to bathe in her ensuite.

The faucet was running, and the tub was filled with water. She lay in warm water up to her breasts. She used her hips to cover her chest and stomach. She moaned, "Albert." Then she heard heavy footsteps on the stairs; they bewildered her. The sounds reverberated through the vast mansion. She straightened up. They approached the shower curtain and paused. "James, is that you?" A large hand yanked the curtain down, breaking the plastic hinges.

She screamed, covering her breasts with her arms. She remained in that position for a while. Once she was sure no one else was in the room, she climbed out of the tub. James didn't hear Abigail scream. He was loading the weeds into the truck bed. He took a long-handled hoe, walked up the hill, sat on a stone bench, and lit a cigarette.

The three windows above the sink offered plenty of light for the kitchen. The counter was filled with sunlight as she cut two pieces of bread and spread butter. To provide oxygen for the plants, James cut the earth around them. Only one row remained. He surveyed his work with satisfaction, wiping his brow.

On the second floor, Abigail found the beds unmade, the sashes open, and the air filled with the smells of sweat and bodies. In the early morning, Abigail woke up, tidied the bedrooms, and went to the main floor. She began her meals with toast and apricot jam. Her dinner consisted of a chicken James had killed, which she had to pluck. She placed the dead chicken in the boiling water kettle to aid the plucking process and then worked in their summer kitchen.

Upon Albert's return from Kenya, Abigail recounted bizarre incidents from her days alone in the house, sharing them with him over drinks before dinner. Her stories were unbelievable, yet she trembled and broke down by the end of each one. Not believing the stories, Albert was unsure what to think, so he offered to take her to see some of the best doctors in the city.

She flew into a rage, so furious that she stopped sharing the horrors she endured in the house. The last straw: the blood dripping from around the whole tub; Albert filled it for her as she lay in it with slit wrists. She saw her reflection in the water-blood mixture, her lips blue and lifeless. The razor slipped toward her bottom, resting her head on the tub's edge. Terrified by the idea of her suicide, she gasped and ran from the room. She had never considered suicide before, and the vision troubled her. Feeling scared to be alone, she called Albert at work. Albert came home and opened a bottle of homemade wine.

He poured two glasses and took his wife's hand, leading her to the outdoor patio by the pool.

"My dear, I want to send invitations to our friends for a party with an orchestra and dancing. We could use some cheer in the house.”

Her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands with delight. They toasted their wine as their gazes met.

“Oh, Albert, that sounds wonderful. What a blast it will be!”

Albert has compiled the guest list. Albert shared the guest list with her, having already sent out invitations for the extravagant dinner, dancing in the grand ballroom, and fireworks on the balcony afterward.

“Albert, I haven’t felt this excited in a long time. Thank you, darling,” she said with a constant smile, staying cheerful. Abigail had a newfound purpose for her days. She selected wines from the cellar and discussed the guest count and seating arrangements with the head chef. He suggested that the guests enjoy a moonlit feast outdoors with a sonata. Abigail liked the idea and hired a moving company to place a baby grand piano on their patio for dinner.

Excitement filled the house on the day of the party. Everyone was joyful. After the fireworks, guests departed, sharing how much they enjoyed the evening as they left the house. The event's success motivated the Jaekals to host four high-profile parties annually, attracting wealthy individuals from the United States and beyond.

Due to their popularity, Albert and Abigail received many party invitations, which led to frequent travel and nights away from home. Abigail enjoyed the attention but eventually yearned to go home. A few months later, thinking she was pregnant, she asked Albert to decline some invitations so they could return.

Albert was excited by the news and cancelled all events to support his wife during her pregnancy. Albert didn’t know that Abigail had deceived him; there was no baby. Abigail was confident she would conceive soon and felt carefree about it. Albert, aiming to safeguard the health of their unborn child, chose not to engage in intimacy until after the baby was born. Abigail was left in disbelief by this decision.

Abigail scheduled a doctor’s appointment that day to understand what was happening. When the doctor arrived, he confirmed she was pregnant, and she fainted upon hearing the news. Albert was by her side when she woke up, relieved and grateful that she and the baby were healthy.

“I’m so grateful you’re both safe,” he said, kissing her gently. “Have you talked to the doctor?”

“Abigail asked, still shocked.”

“Which doctor, darling?”

Albert responded with confusion.

Abigail responded, “Dr. “McCormick, the local physician.”

Albert shook his head. “Honey, that man was a founder of this town. Before taking over my building, I investigated him and found he was not a competent doctor. He flirted with and comforted women whose partners were absent.

“Of course, we talked about this before. I mixed up the names,” Abigail insisted. As Abigail’s pregnancy progressed, Albert wanted to return to Kenya but continued hosting extravagant parties and entertaining friends.

However, somehow, his frequent guests became punch drunk as if something overtook them. Their thoughts about Albert and Abigail escaped their lips, and their truths about the couple slipped out.

“They think their hosting of all these parties means we’ll like them more, it means we’ll come to eat and to drink for free.” One said.

“Isn’t that the truth, the liking part, not so much. So airy-fairy that Abigail is, and that Albert, he probably has another family in Kenya, Africa, since he’s there more than he’s here,” said another.

“I heard she sleeps with the gardener,” a woman said.

“Huh? A black man? No way!” said the realtor.

The guests could hear themselves criticizing their hosts, yet they could not stop themselves. It was as though they lost control of their mouths.

Yet after hearing what they had to say, Albert invited everyone to the balcony for fireworks anyway. It was as though he never heard a word of the unflattering remarks, and everything went on as it had always gone. The party continued into the wee hours of the morning and was the last party Albert and Abigail ever threw.

After the birth of their son, James, Abigail took him and left for her home, where she grew up. Her brother and sister-in-law were there. Two weeks later, she returned with the baby, and her mother-in-law awaited her return. Her mother-in-law hired an au pair to take care of the baby. Albert was beside himself.

Furious at his mother, he screamed at her, "We don't need you or your au pair. Go now. You and her." But his mother did no such thing. She persisted, and nearly six months after her departure, the au pair occupied the house, earning Albert's affection.

"I see how you look at her, Albert," Abigail said one evening.

"Don't be ridiculous, darling. I would never find anyone else to be with but you."

"Don't lie to me; it makes it worse," she said, standing and facing him.

"Elizabeth could be our daughter, Abi, for God's sake!"

"Please think about what you are saying."

"I know what I'm seeing. You know it, too. I expect you to take care of it, Albert."

"There is nothing to take care of, darling, please. You've got to believe me."

"A woman knows these things," Abigail said. "DO NOT let me catch you—it will have dire consequences for both of you." She gathered herself, climbed into bed, and feigned sleep. Albert watched her, grabbed his pillow, and went down the hall to another room. Abigail jumped out of bed and crept after him silently, like a mouse. She observed Albert undress and leap into bed. Abigail was about to return to her room when she heard Elizabeth approaching the stairs. Abigail watched her enter the room where Albert was.

After waiting a few minutes, Abigail entered the hallway and opened the door. Abigail saw Elizabeth on top of Albert and grabbed her by the hair. Abigail dragged Elizabeth by the hair, pulling her naked body into the hallway and lifting her across the landing. Abigail threw Elizabeth over the landing rail, causing her to plummet a floor below.

Abigail turned her gaze to Albert, and he ran. Abigail put the fear of God into Albert, and she gave chase. The back staircase was Albert’s only respite from Abigail’s chasing after him. He closed the doorway and secured it on his side. Albert knew he could escape in case Abigail crossed over. He placed his bet on Abigail, overlooked this fact, and instinctively switched sides. When he heard no sound coming from either direction, he removed the false wall and found himself in their bedroom.

Albert got fully dressed and left the house. The workers called him while he was at work, informing him that they had found the au pair and Abigail dead in the house. James was crying alone, and he needed food and a nap. Albert ran from his office to his car and drove to the house. He saw the rope from the noose where his wife had hung herself. If he had only come out last night to find Abigail and deal with their issues head-on, Abigail might be alive now. Albert turned his head and cried.

A broken man felt the earth move under him so that nothing familiar made sense to him any longer. Nothing. Just darkness. Albert observed the darkness enveloping him and sensed it compressing him like a flattened pancake.

Albert & Sylvie

Albert Jaekal and Sylvie Kodak navigated a world filled with expectations and hidden desires. Unbeknownst to Albert, the next party was just two weeks away. After bidding farewell to Abigail and transporting her to her parent's hometown for burial, he also arranged for the au pair’s final resting place. With those tasks behind him, he focused on preparing for the upcoming celebration. He hired a woman to help manage his son James during the party.

The party was a great success, attracting many women eager to impress Albert. Some came unaccompanied, hoping to win his affection. However, Albert's views on relationships had shifted; he was now looking for someone to care for his son instead of a lifelong partner. Still, he appreciated the attention from the women around him.

Sylvie arrived late, representing the Kodak family. As their niece and sole heiress, her relatives insisted she marry someone of equal wealth or greater. They doubted she would find such a man, especially someone like Albert Jaekal.

As Sylvie left the kitchen, Albert spotted her and invited her to sit across from him at the table. The servants quickly complied. Sylvie looked into Albert's captivating eyes and felt warmth emanating from him. Unlike the other men who fawned over her, he feigned indifference to her presence, which piqued her interest further.

Albert ensured they would partner for the dances, starting after the third pass, before filling her dance card. She was surprised to find herself in his arms, but they danced like they had practiced for months.

Sylvie left the house, and Albert went to bed, thoughts of her swirling in his mind. Soon, Sylvie and Albert became a couple. Their son, James, knew Sylvie as the woman his father had chosen after his mother's passing. Sylvie ensured James would always cherish his mother's memory by sharing stories about Abigail.

James attended a boarding school in England shortly after their marriage, and strange occurrences began around this time.

One night, Sylvie asked Albert, "Did you hear?"

"What did you say?"Albert responded, suppressing a yawn.

A man and a woman argued. Did you not hear it? Sylvie sat up, arms on her hips, her voice elevated.

"No, Sylvie," he said, tilting his head. "But I can see if someone is outside."

No, that's fine. I no longer hear it.

The following day, Sylvie woke to find her clothes scattered around the house and her shoes on the stairs.

Albert? Where are you located?“She called out.”

Sylvie, what is it? I'm by the pool, grabbing another cup.

Why are my clothes scattered throughout the house? Why are my shoes on the stairs?

I didn't do that. They were on the chaise when I arrived downstairs.

How did they arrive there? I found them everywhere!

“I don’t know,” he insisted.

Albert understood what Sylvie meant but chose to ignore it. Standing firm with Sylvie, he refused to acknowledge any unusual occurrences in the house. Gradually, the disturbances from Abigail's spirit faded away.

The couple lived in their house, but the conflict with Abigail influenced their lives. On the patio, both bodies lay lifeless, facing each other, their wounds telling a tragic story.

Years later, James earned his MBA and joined the family business.

At university, James met Roberta, who was studying to become a doctor. They married shortly after graduation, and James had prepared a home for them. They agreed that Roberta would work with the town doctor until she became pregnant.

Eventually, they welcomed a son named Bert in honour of Roberta's father.

Twelve years later, they discovered the bodies of James and Roberta; Bert was at boarding school. His parents had arranged for their wealth to sustain the house, ensuring Bert would inherit it on his 18th birthday.

Despite the whispers of hauntings and the house's tragic history, many in the town dismissed these tales as rumours, lacking concrete evidence of supernatural happenings.

Bert and Val

Bert and Val moved into the house they inherited from Bert's parents after their tragic car accident while Bert was at boarding school. From the moment Bert met Val, he knew she was the one. He prepared their new home by having it open, aired, and cleaned. Once they settled in, their neighbours invited them over. Philbert and Lorraine married for fifteen years and lived next door for twelve, so they were eager to welcome them. One day, Lorraine called Val. "Val? Lorraine here. What’s my new neighbour like? She asked, "Great!" How's it going? Val replied, "Good!" We'd love you and Bert to join us for dinner tonight." "That sounds great! I’ll call Bert and get back to you shortly. “I’m sure it’s fine,” Val responded. Val was a successful model before marrying Bert, known for her striking beauty, stunning blue eyes and captivating presence. Lorraine, the daughter of a well-known attorney from South Carolina, grew up enjoying a life of luxury—attending fancy balls, sailing, and hunting. However, she faced challenges, occasionally drinking too much and falling asleep before Philbert returned home, leaving his dinner waiting. With some time before heading to Lorraine's house, Val decided to visit the local library to gather information about their new home. She wanted to prepare one of her signature desserts for dinner. After spending the morning in town, she returned home just in time to call Bert about the dinner invitation.

Val and Bert were preparing for dinner with the Philberts. Before calling Lorraine to confirm, Val asked Bert to pick up flowers and wine. She was excited to make her famous upside-down strawberry shortcake for dessert, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

When Bert got home, it was 5:30 PM, and he wanted to shower before heading to the Philberts' place. After a quick kiss with Val, he jumped in the shower while she picked out casual clothes for him in muted oranges and greys, colours she loved on him. Bert's dark brown eyes and sun-kissed skin complemented the autumnal palette, reminiscent of his southern European heritage.

After Bert finished showering, Val helped him dry off and dressed him in her chosen outfit. With the dessert, wine, and flowers prepared, they set off to visit Lorraine and Philbert, a route they had taken many times before.

Upon arriving, they found Lorraine and Philbert on the patio. "Hello, Val and Bert!" It's wonderful to see you! Welcome! Would you like a drink? Philbert greeted them warmly. Lorraine admired Val’s thoughtful gifts and went into the kitchen with Philbert to prepare drinks.

As they settled in, Val noticed the couple seemed tipsy. They toasted to their new neighbours, and the conversation turned lively. The men discussed golfing and tennis. Val and Bert had a background in tennis and were interested in joining a local club for mixed doubles and singles. However, Lorraine wasn’t keen on golf and tended to retreat into her drinks as Philbert chatted about the sport.

After three drinks, it was time for dinner. The conversation turned to architecture, city development, and fashion. Following the meal, they headed to the game room for an after-dinner drink and played a few rounds of Michigan Rummy before enjoying dessert.

Bert praised the after-dinner drink and recommended Val’s famous shortcake as they gathered around the dessert table. Val led the conversation, discussing recent art shows they attended, bringing a sense of normalcy to the evening. Her upbringing in a wealthy home and experience with the finer things made her adept at hosting a dinner party.

"Les Misérables, La Bohème, and Phantom of the Opera were outstanding shows," Val said. "They each held a mystique and spoke to me." "Babe, what show or opera doesn't? Even if they're terrible for everyone else, you find a way to appreciate the artistic rendering," Bert replied. The evening's discussion highlighted Val's appreciation for the arts as a reflection of the human condition and societal times. She was in her element and shone like a star. Being around her was captivating, and everyone listened intently to her every word. Her husband's attention sparked his arousal. Philbert showed his arousal. Lorraine attempted to join the conversation, but it was futile. She slurred her words and appeared foolish instead of savvy about opera. Lorraine, a slightly older woman passionate about drinking, attended all the performances but couldn't compete with Val's beauty; she retreated into her drinks. Jealousy filled her thoughts, lingering on her lips with every sip. Bert insisted on leaving soon after dessert.

"Val and I have early morning dates, so we'll have to cut this night short." By the end of the dinner party, Lorraine was drunk and feeling no pain. She made her way to the patio to witness Jaekal's departure. Philbert grabbed her arm and pulled her close to prevent her from tumbling headfirst into the pool. The evening energized Bert and Val, and they were happy to head home together. They carried their shoes and walked back along the path to their new home. Bert looked forward to having his wife all to himself, which suited him better. They entered their French Victorian manor, and he sealed the door. Val went to the bedroom to change into something more appealing for Bert. She walked to the second-floor main bedroom alone. She envisioned a man choking a woman on the bed. The house took her to a different time. She listened to their argument. It was a heated argument between lovers, and she quickly understood. The argument was charged with emotion, filled with hurtful words. Val noticed the man's hat and shoes by the bed. The dirt covered him, and scratches marked his hands, forearms, neck, and face, indicating a struggle before he took her life.

Val felt a chill, recalling that her lover had murdered the lady of the manor. James Freeman While her husband was away on business, a hired helper took his role too seriously and became the lady's lover. Before Bert arrived, she prepared some pot and rolled two joints for them to share. She lit the first one and waited for Bert's return. He entered from the back staircase, and despite Val's initial jumpiness, she calmed down upon seeing him and offered him some joints. He eagerly took it, and they smoked together while kissing and petting. Bert lay on the bed, watching his wife dance seductively for him. They collaborated for the desired result.

Val enjoyed the attention Bert gave her, whispering, "You are so bad, Berty boy," as she smiled, placed her finger on his lips, and began to strip for him. He lay back on the bed, watching her with desire, captivated by her every seductive movement. She undid his belt buckle, and he quickly helped her with his pants. She produced the second joint, both now naked. "Perfect, babe." "Just relax and groove with me." She lit it, took a drag, and passed it to him. A few seconds later, he groaned as she performed an exotic tribal dance for him. He reached for her breasts. A knock sounded outside the house. A force halted his hands. He looked into the eyes of a man staring back at him. A dark-skinned man held Val's neck in a tight grip. Bert couldn't move out of fear, as he was stiff. With her eyes closed, she matched the up-and-down movement in him. When Bert wasn't responding, she stopped and opened them."Bert? What's wrong? Do you like what I'm doing? Aren't you feeling gritty? Would you prefer I do something else for you? What is this? You can tell me." Horrified, he saw the man put his hands around Val's neck. Bert's eyes widened as he struggled to make the man let go of Val's neck. As she smoked and danced, the man tightened his grip on her neck; Bert could only watch in horror, feeling helpless. Bert tried to warn Val, but no words escaped his lips. Val opened her eyes and saw the man choking her beloved. She punched while screaming. The man paused, extending his hand toward her. She jumped back and said, "Get away from us. Leave us alone! Get out of this house." The man shook his head. Bert was entranced. He considered the man. The door slammed shut, and the lights flickered on. Val and Bert sat up in bed. Someone interrupted their trance. "That's wild, huh?" She grabbed the spliff from the ashtray, relit it, took a puff, and passed it to Bert. As he took another hit, he relaxed.

"Val, I think I love you more than ever," he said. The two indulged in unrestrained sex, disregarding caution. Bert moved her away and asked, "Val, what is going on with you?" "What? What do you mean?" "A few minutes ago, I had no idea what you were doing; it wasn't you engaging in sexual activity with me." "You appeared to be someone else." "We had sex? When? I thought we were just about to." "As much as I loved it, babe, I know something possessed you." "Possessed me? Oh my God, I'm creeped out right now, Bert." Val sat up but couldn't move her legs fast enough. The banging they had heard earlier resumed: Bert went to investigate and found the door swinging open and shut, even though he had locked it securely.

Bert heard Val scream as he reached for the door to close it. He rushed into the main bedroom and found Val inside the wardrobe, the doors firmly shut. He coaxed her to open the door so he could help her.

When Val stepped out of the trunk, she appeared pale and terrified. They decided to stay in the primary bedroom until morning.

When daylight arrived, they went downstairs to brew coffee and sat outside to discuss their house plans.

Val broke the silence by speaking first. "Bert, I've been considering our next steps for this place."

Bert said, "I’m listening, honey. Share your thoughts with me."

Val suggested, "We could sell the house or have a shaman or clergyman come to cleanse it. Since this house is part of your family’s heritage, I’m open to your decision." Though Val smiled, Bert noticed her eyes hinted at an ending to their stay in the house. The discussion about her belongings the previous night had weighed on her.

"You have a good point about the cleansing idea." Bert said his friend said his dad hired a medicine man to cleanse his new home to ensure no evil spirits were present.

"The good news is we don’t have to rush into any decisions. That was just one night out of many we've spent here," Val reassured him. "I’ll be fine if you choose to stay."

"Of course, darling. I didn’t like seeing how frightened you were in the wardrobe; you looked like a lost puppy." Bert kissed her goodbye and left for work, his lunch tucked under his arm in his briefcase.

After breakfast, Val washed the dishes and started preparing dinner. She went to the wine cellar to grab a bottle of red wine and a jar of pickled beans, mixed vegetables, and asparagus. A drip fell from above as she returned to the kitchen, hitting her head. She looked up and understood that the kitchen drip had a reasonable explanation.

As Val stepped up the stairs, she felt increasingly lightheaded. She checked the guest bathroom and found it empty. She rushed to the main bedroom and saw a towel over the shower drain as water gushed from the tap. She sprang into action, turning off the faucet and grabbing towels to soak up the water, which quickly drained away.

Val took the soaked towels to the patio chairs to dry. She shook her head in frustration at Bert for clogging the drain while she began making her Penne alla Vodka from scratch. The noodles posed a challenge, yet Bert’s reaction to her cooking and the expression on his face after that first bite made it worthwhile, despite her frustration with him.

She knew the vodka sauce would be rich in tomato flavour, complemented by heavy cream—just the dish to have Bert eating out of her hand. Val found a shaman to cleanse the house of spirits. She thought about calling Bert to share the news but got so absorbed in her cooking that it slipped her mind. Val initially waited in the kitchen for Bert's return but decided to run upstairs to freshen up before he got home. She had aerated the wine and prepared the meal. She left a tea towel next to the stove's burner. It must have ignited, and caught the kitchen on fire while Val headed upstairs. She picked up the laundry basket at the foot of thes stairs and went upstairs. This time, Val felt confident with every step. As she neared the top, a spirit approached her. Startled, she gasped and fell backward down the stairs, landing at the bottom with a thud.

Bert pulled into the driveway and noticed flames rising from the house and smoke billowing from the windows. He rushed to the patio doors to get inside. Upon entering the kitchen, he encountered a terrifying sight: flames licking the walls and spreading to the second floor.

“Val? Val, where are you? He shouted with no response. He rushed through the main floor, searching for her. He saw her body at the bottom of the stairs. He lifted her into his arms and went outside. He set Val down and turned to see their home engulfed in flames.