Instructions for The House Nobody Knows

Touch a door that does not claim importance.

Knock once.

If nobody answers, enter anyway.

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Bring nothing shiny.

Bring nothing meant for trade.

Grief dislikes bargaining.

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Pass rooms holding voices left behind.

Some speak hunger.

Give bread.

Some speak filth.

Give water.

Some speak hurt.

Stay near until breathing steadies.

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Continue onward.

Paths will narrow.

Names may pull at your sleeves.

Do not follow names.

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A field waits ahead.

Dark animals watch.

They know routes.

Let them walk near, never ahead.

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If a woman asks memory, give memory.

If a child asks truth, give truth only once.

If an old man asks story, listen longer than you want.

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Water blocks travel.

Cross slowly.

Do not boast.

Do not confess.

Silence pays fare.

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Something watches from above.

If gift offered, accept.

Keep it hidden.

Every gift carries cost later.

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Grief teaches uneven lessons.

Giants fall asleep during confidence.

Hunters miss targets while bragging.

Monsters guard soft places badly.

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Remember name.

Say it when fear grows clever.

Say it again when hope feels thin.

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Return same route.

Debts settle themselves.

Kindness circles back.

Danger loses interest.

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Do not rush ending.

Home appears smaller.

That means growth happened.

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Step through doorway.

Close it gently.

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Grief follows rules

when treated like guest,

not enemy.