“Who goes there?” Janet shouted from where she crouched, knowing full well who made those disturbing noises day and night.
Time stretched on, and she was hard-pressed to find a moment of peace from what she assumed was her eternal punishment for wrongdoings.
Doors slammed and dishes crashed to the floor.
Janet realized she would suffer her hell here on earth, and most likely in the afterlife as well, for why would death spare her just punishment?
A broom handle banged relentlessly along the banister.
Before her dear Jimmy passed, his mother Delia took up residence with them in their Victorian home.
Jimmy, a gentle man, cared deeply for both women. His mother was ill and he wanted her nearby to watch over.
She was brash and hateful and before long bitterness took hold in Janet.
They thought that she would pass soon. Remarkably, dear Jimmy became afflicted and quickly departed, leaving the two women alone in the house.
Caring for Delia fell on Janet, but she didn’t have the mental wherewithal to be of much use. Without Jimmy, Delia surprisingly became even more intolerable.
Glass shattered, lamps defied gravity, and door latches locked themselves.
Janet had included a little something extra in Delia’s meals, and it wasn’t long before she also passed.
Relieved, Janet could take back her home and mourn Jimmy in peace.
Two months passed, then the haunting commenced.
None too pleased, Delia had decided to stay indefinitely.
– Written for Jane Dougherty Writes, Microfiction Challenge #11: Who goes there?. Painting prompt by Adriano Cecioni. WC 241.
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