Weary but happy, Jenny and Pete stood in the hallway of their new home, surrounded by tea chests and scattered possessions.

“It’s amazing,” Pete moaned, “no matter how organized you think you are, moving house always ends up in chaos.  At least there’s no decorating to do!” 

Jenny was quick on the uptake, “Let’s make that bedroom feel more like ours, it’s a bit dated.” 

There was barely time to reply, a resounding explosion shattered the only working bulb and plunged the hall into darkness. 

“See what I mean; now I’ve got to start scratching around for light bulbs!” 

 

In a matter of days they had almost unpacked and a semblance of normality returned.  “I’ll have to get back to work tomorrow, Jen, think you’ll manage?”  

“No problem. I’ll ring round for a plumber, must get that sink unit moved to the window.”

Then a sudden sound that could only mean trouble - the rush of water!   The kitchen floor slowly disappeared, and calm satisfaction was replaced by panic!  Pete eventually located the source - a rogue pipe under the sink.

“This house has been empty for ages, there’s bound to be teething problems.” Jenny pacified him.

 

Jenny was glad to see Mrs Morrison, their neighbour, the following day “I hope you will be happy,” she. said, “Have you found your way to the shops?”

“No time, we’ve had one disaster after another, I was just phoning round for a plumber then the kitchen flooded again!  Jenny was glad to stand still for a while “How long has it been empty?”

“It was rented but no one stayed long. The Bennett's were the original owners, lived here for years. “Mr Bennett’s niece inherited the house and decided to rent it. Don’t think the Bennett’s would have approved!”Mrs Morrison replied.

“What were they like, the Bennett's I mean?” 

Mrs M folded her arms, Jenny wondered if she‘d opened a can of worms!

“Quiet couple.  He was always decorating, she was gardening. Didn’t like people interfering. Their lives revolved around the house and garden.”

 

The doorbell rang; Jenny left Mrs M with the promise of tea one afternoon. 

 

“Old fashioned, not easy finding washers and screws.”  The plumber reached inside the unit, “Do it yourself job, eh? “  His question remained unanswered as the malicious pipe erupted with ferocity! 

“No fear, wouldn‘t move this!  Poor man, wet and irritable, Jenny sympathized.

 

As the months passed, Jenny lost her usual sparkle.  Decorating the bedroom was draining her sense of humour. At the mere mention of a drill, the walls turned to rock!

“’Let’s leave it all until we get the whole place done up!” Pete was exasperated.  Jenny had a nagging feeling that would never happen!

 

She had been surprised to learn the house had previously been rented, there was no sign of other lives, there was but one aura in this house - that of the very first owners- the Bennett’s!  She could feel defiance in the atmosphere.  The situation played on her mind!

 

Jenny confided in Mrs M. “Whenever we make a small change, some major obstacle turns up. It’s really wearing us down.  I wish we could move but its just not practical at the moment!”

 

“Actually, Jenny, I‘ve been meaning to say, I may move soon. My daughter keeps on about living nearer to her.” Mrs M explained.

 

After Mrs M put her house on the market, rather odd thing happened,  developers approached them both.  This large plot was ideal for flats.  Both houses would be demolished. The offer made was hard to refuse. Fate was gently guiding them elsewhere.

 

Their departure went smoothly.  Jenny watched the house fading into the distance as they followed the removal van.  Both houses now stood empty. . 

For a fleeting moment, Jenny fancied she could see people in their house, cleaning, wiping away traces of all unwelcome visitors.

Some people never leave their homes!   They mean no harm; better for them to see it returned to the earth and let life begin anew!