Houses

By Matthew David Carroll

...A modern ghost story...

"She walked over to get a closer look.

“They grew together intertwined, but kept separate at the root. He hurts himself for her. She knows but doesn’t care until she’s topped and each time he chooses to console her. Now they know their story having heard,” Heinlyn said kneeling down to look Charlotte in the face. “You have a very special gift that you’re not even yet aware.”

“What is that?” Charlotte questions.

Heinlyn was surprised, “You’ll soon see.”

#Atmospheric

This is a work of fiction, the product of the author’s imagination used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
© 2018

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew David Carroll
• Release date: Mar 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463880081

Matthew David Carroll

Hello,For those of you who are new, I hope you enjoy.If you've already read some of these, I'm glad you're back.It's been terrible for building trust and invites all sorts of nonsense, but my lack of presence is better for new readers to get into the story and character. So I'm elusive for that reason, mostly.If you're interested in getting to know me, forgive us, you can check my other social media for that, but I'm afraid you won't find much at the moment. I keep putting it off.Some of these are quick easy reads I hope will leave you laughing or with some sort of satisfied wonder (I know. I'm finishing them.) Others are over stylized with complex plot structures that require inquisition.I can't promise you'll like everything I write, but you'll know (for the most part) what you're getting into.Complex issues, simple themes. Characters opinions are their own.If you like any of them please share. I appreciate every one of you who have.

Book preview

Dedication

Her eyes still speak in dreams.

She takes a certain care not to give it away.

For here they prey on dreamers.

Houses

Copyright 2018 Matthew Carroll

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction, the product of the author’s imagination used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

~***~

Scenes

Charlotte

A Misty Day

The Ride Home

A Clock in the Attic

Houses

Charlotte

Late autumn, scattered leaves blow through an empty playground. Across the street standing near her 4th floor window Charlotte looks out disappointed. They’ve been there a month and she’s barely been outside the apartment. She listens in on her mother’s conversation in the other room.

Her mother sobs.

You had to expect. She hears a man say.

Charlotte bites her bottom lip and walks toward her door.

She’ll be 13 in May. Why do you think we waited? We’re not heartless.

A business man sits across from Rachel at the kitchen table.

Rachel catches the bottom of Charlotte’s floral dress out the corner of her eye. Charlotte sways the bedroom door back and forth. Her brunette curls hang hiding her face.

Rachel wipes away her tears, Charlotte, come here.

She walks toward her mother.

This is Heinlyn.

His suit seems out of fashion and his cologne is overwhelming.

He’s going to take you to your new home.

She’s grown use to moving. It’s become a comfort, an expectation of escape.

"We’re not going to see each