The new neighbourhood

Leaving behind a decade of memories was never going to be easy. I took heart in the fact that my new house had everything the old didn't: An Independent space without having to share the walls with the neighbours, plenty of sunshine, and most importantly a humongous amount of lung space that lined the row of houses.

After two weeks of unpacking and officially ‘settling down’, I got my first chance to wander into the small thicket of green that beckoned me into its cool, enveloping arms. I was itching to explore the miniature woods, imagining myself to be Alice in wonderland, marveling at bouncing rabbits, smelling exotic flowers and picking up juicy fruits.

For a green patch that seemed well-maintained, it was surprising to find it desolate at that time of the day when the sun still had a while before it retired for the day. There were other houses in the vicinity and I had hoped to find some fellow nature lovers and regular walkers. Nevertheless, I was happy to soak in some solitude and strolled in leisure.

I lost track of the time when a sudden chillness in the air made me stop in my tracks. There was a quietness of a different kind. I sensed an invisible fence of air around me. The line of well-grown trees ended just short of where I now stood.  Further down a few yards an ancient looking house stood. Vine creepers covered a part of the brown, patched facade and it was difficult to guess if the house had any inhabitants.

The soft breeze made a low whistle and the leaves rustled on the huge tree just across me as though to draw my attention to it. The lovely dark brown bark had moss grown over it. I stepped closer and noticed carvings etched on to the bark. “Not this way” said the words. I suddenly wished I was not standing there alone. I was getting pulled into something I did not wish to know just then. It seemed as though the tree had sensed my intention of going further and wished to stop me.

I was more spooked than curious. Some things are best left unknown, I decided.

“Some ghosts are so quiet you would hardly know they were there.” 

― Bernie Mcgill, The Butterfly Cabinet

Photo by Thomas Marlowe

Written in response to the prompt at the Light and Shade challenge. You can choose either the quote or the photo or even combine the two as your inspiration. I have attempted to combine both the prompts.