Mysteries of the Abandoned Settlement: Mrs. Clark's Hidden Truths: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Mrs. Clark, the diligent and caring matriarch, presides over her modest yet impeccably organized home, her actions seemingly driven by an unwavering determination to protect her granddaughter, Jenny. As the sun's rays spread throughout the house, illuminating every corner, a peculiar tale of tenderness, hardships, and mysterious herbal wisdom begins to unfold.

In the embrace of this sun-drenched sanctuary, an unusual obsession with cleanliness takes hold, enveloping the residence in an almost clinical aura. Even the flies, intimidated by the immaculate atmosphere, hasten to evacuate the premises. But behind this seemingly arbitrary fixation lies a deep-seated fear for Jenny's well-being, leading Mrs. Clark to instill in her granddaughter the importance of maintaining strict hygiene, resulting in heartwarming moments between the two as they care for their cat, Ali.

A poignant portrayal of the generational bond emerges as Jenny, wise beyond her years, challenges her grandmother's choices, urging her to secure a brighter future through education and enriching experiences. Mrs. Clark, torn between her devotion to Jenny and her haunted past, grapples with the consequences of her seclusion, reflected in her interactions with the enigmatic Mr. Brooks.

Amidst the fragrance of dried herbs hanging mysteriously in the secluded room, Mrs. Clark's clandestine expertise as an herbalist comes to light, revealing a hidden world of medicinal knowledge. Jenny's innocent curiosity leads her to uncover this well-kept secret, prompting Mrs. Clark to confront the weight of her past and the sacrifices she continues to make.

With Mr. Brooks' recurring presence, a tale of unspoken grievances, hope, and the healing power of nature unfolds, highlighting the transformative impact of Mrs. Clark's herbal concoctions on the lives of those who seek her aid. As the narrative unfolds, a poignant message about the importance of forgiveness, healing, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit emerges, weaving a rich tapestry of love, sacrifice, and the timeless pursuit of healing and understanding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223886839

Book preview

Table of Contents

Mysteries of the Abandoned Settlement: Mrs. Clark's Hidden Truths (contos, #1)

The sun was high in the sky, so the whole house was flooded with light.

Although Mrs. Clark's modest abode could hardly be called a house, there was always

perfect order here.

The hostess carefully watched to ensure that no dust or cobwebs appeared anywhere.

Even the flies were afraid of the cleanliness and tried to leave the house as quickly as

possible.

Such a strange penchant for creating an almost sterile environment was explained very simply.

Mrs. Clark was afraid for her granddaughter.

The girl was only six years old, and like any child, she wanted to touch everything with

her hands.

Therefore, the grandmother had to remind the child ten times a day to wash her hands more

often.

The woman lovingly watched as Jenny played with her cat, Ali.

The girl, imitating her grandmother, was raising her pet.

Who do you look like?

Can't you take care of your hair?

All the normal cats will run away from you on the street.

And your paws are dirty too, and you're even licking them.

Your stomach will hurt, then you'll know not to disobey your elders.

The cat purred loudly with pleasure, listening to the little mistress's reproaches.

Jenny combed the black, glossy fur of the animal with a massage brush.

She had taken this tool from her own hairdresser's supplies.

When the grandmother objected to such wastefulness, she declared,

Granny, have you forgotten that we are responsible for those we have tamed?

Mrs. Clark's eyes bulged at her granddaughter's words.

Jenny, where did you pick up such words?

The little girl once again demonstrated her wisdom beyond her years.

But you give, Granny.

Have you forgotten that I can read?

I only have a few children's books, and the ones on your shelf are old and without pictures.

The sadness of the lack of age-appropriate literature was so strong that Mrs. Clark instantly felt

a pang of conscience, somewhere under her heart.

I will definitely buy you some books.

I'll go into town and get you some fairy tales.

And I'll bring you some different treats.

The little girl looked at her grandmother incredulously.

Well, how will you bring all this on a bicycle?

Do all people have cars, but you have a bicycle with crooked wheels?

I don't even understand how you still ride it.

Even Ollie looks funny.

Upon hearing her name, the cat purred loudly and affectionately rubbed her face against

the hand of her little owner.

Mrs. Clark didn't like Ollie's bold behavior.

She approached the cat with an affected sternus.

You've completely lost your mind, you beast.

Getting in the child's face like that.

Go catch some mice.

Get out of here.

Jenny pursed her lips in indignation.

Why did you hurt Ollie?

She didn't do anything bad to you.

I didn't do anything bad to your cat either, but animals need to know their place.

I don't want you catching any diseases from her.

Now go wash your hands.

With her head down in disappointment, the girl headed to the sink.

She carefully lathered her hands with soap and then held them under the running water.

Mrs. Clark grumbled with dissatisfaction again.

You wasted all the water for nothing.

Now grandma has to haul the bucket again.

Dry your hands well.

The girl quickly caught a soft towel and began to diligently wipe her hands.

Mrs. Clark watched her granddaughter with a smile, but suddenly she noticed something

that made her uneasy.

Jenny, come over here and show me your hands.

The girl complied.

Grandma, I washed them well with soap, you saw that.

I don't want Ollie to get in trouble because of me.

Stop babbling and tell me when that little spot appeared.

Mrs. Clark held the child's tiny palms in her hands.

A barely noticeable pigmented spot, the size of a dime, appeared on the girl's right

wrist.

The girl rubbed the spot with her finger as if hoping to wipe away the dirt.

I don't know, grandma.

I didn't notice it, but don't worry.

It doesn't hurt at all.

It's not ringworm, is it?

You'll cure me if I get sick, won't you, grandma?

Mrs. Clark played with the girl's hands for another minute, then suddenly hugged her tightly

and burst into tears.

Why have we been punished like this, my sweet child?

How difficult it will be for you.

Grandma's tears frightened Jenny.

She too was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

I won't play with Ollie anymore, but please don't cry.

My hand doesn't hurt, I promise.

Mrs. Clark tried to calm down, realizing that her inexplicable tears had greatly scared