Home Sweet Home
Light spilled into the cloudless sky. A layer of gold gilted the treetops and splashed onto the ground, accenting each curve of the land with honyed tones. Light breezes threaded their way through the branches, sending a waft of warm air over the bark. A young girl rocked on the tireswing below, curling an arm around one of the frayed ropes. Bare feet skimmed the land below, leaving deep ridges in the grass.
Her ears pricked up as she heard distant footsteps, and anxiously she scrambled up the two ropes that tethered the tire onto one of the thick limbs of the tree. Deftly she leaped onto another branch and clung to it, glancing down below. A tall man called out, shielding his eyes from the sun. He called out again, slowly turning around. Suddenly his eyes alighted on her, and she swung off from the branch and landed on the ground with a small thud.
“Hey there,” he said. The young girl eyed him angrily. “You’re back,” she snarled. In the distance she could see his Mercedes parked on the dirt road. He shook one of his cuffs and tugged on the lapels of his suit; in the other hand he held a sleek silver briefcase. The man half-smiled at her, and she returned it with a grimace.
“Yes, I’m back,” he said. “I believe the land you own is a prospective offer that would be foolish to ignore. I’m hoping this time your family will accept my offer.” His eyes roved over the house on the hill, and he started toward it, but the little girl jumped out in front of him.
“Stop. This land has been ours forever, and I know my parents would never sell it to you.” He looked down at her. “Well, then there’s nothing to be worried about if I try.” And she jogged behind him as he headed over to the house.
Threads of shadow encompassed the roof. The man got onto the front step and knocked on the door. As it opened, the young girl plunged inside, hastily trying to explain to her parents that they should shut the door. But, a moment later, he was already inside. He draped his black coat over one of the hooks, looking very out of place in their country home.
“I wish to restate my proposition. Last time my offer was foolish, but I beg you listen to me now. I have decidede to triple the previous offer. This wealth would leave you–very well off.” The little girl tugged on her father’s pant leg. Her parents looked at each other, calculating the amount they could receive. Her father said,”The money first, then the property.” The man didn’t look at all startled, and, reaching for the briefcase, undid the clasps. Even the little girl had to gasp before he snapped it shut. He smiled coldly. “Do you accept?” Her parents conversed quietly. Then they turned to him. “It will take a while to decide.”
“Yes, yes, I’m not surprised. I will be back at this time tomorrow to see to your decision.” And with that he left.
The sun dropped behind the mountains, casting its final rays of light out over the grounds. The man walked calmly down the sloping lawn and then collapsed, or so it seemed. He placed an ear to the ground, smiling. “It’s a worthy price to pay,” he said, patting the ground. Then he unlocked his car and sat down inside. “There’s so much more to this place than meets the eye,” he whispered. “So much more wealth beneath.” And with that, he was gone, a satisfied smile residing on his lips.
