malaije

[malaije]

“Those haunted houses were once homes.”

This is my first story on this page respective criticism is highly welcomed. 💖

Loretta took her out her tuna casserole before the timer went off not wanting it to be chewy. She set it by the windowsill to cool next to the cherry pie she made an hour prior. She stood back taking a breath after slaving over the stove all afternoon. It was a simple meal but still tasking. But she did it with not one complaint she wanted her family to be happy.

She wanted him to be happy.

Work had been tiring for Fred these past couple of weeks. He always came home late and she didn’t think anything of it.

Why would she?

He loved her if he didn’t he wouldn’t have married her she thought. Her simple mind blocking any questions of doubt. She wiped her hands on her apron before reaching up and grabbing plates from the cabinet. Walking over into the dining area and setting the table. One…two…three. She smiled making her way to the back door to call in Fred and Katherine from the garden.

“Dinners ready!” She yelled out. “You two come inside and wash those hands.” She left the door open for them before taking the casserole from the windowsill and a spatula bringing them to the table. She heard the patter of small feet running inside the house then the sound of work boots making their way in after. The door closing shut with a click.

“Smells delicious Loretta.” Said Fred giving her a small smile as he picked up Katherine so she could reach her hands into the sink. Once they were done washing their hands they sat idly at the table Katherine kicking her legs and Fred reading the paper. Loretta had cut decent sized pieces and plated them sitting down herself and beginning to eat.

She looked up from her plate admiring the two of them Katherine’s golden hair brown roots peaking from the top. Then to Fred his cool blue eyes scanning the paper intently she wondered what was so interesting? But she waved that thought away deciding to just enjoy the moment. She prayed it could stay this way.

…

But they didn’t she blinked and the house was back to the way it was. The wallpaper peeling from the walls and maggots crawling on leftover food sat neatly on the table. She didn’t know why she was still here there was nothing left for her. Her baby was gone and him a monster. But that one wasn’t new he’d always been one she just refused to see it.

She sat idly at the table twiddling with her thumbs. She stared at a picture on the wall it was of them photos they took on Easter. Her lips wobbled into a smile hope rising into her eyes.

if she waited long enough maybe they’d come back home.