When Claire volunteered to clean the home of a woman who lived in seclusion, she anticipated finding dust, clutter, and possibly a few cobwebs. She did not anticipate the uncomfortable feeling of a life that had been frozen in time. Nevertheless, as she combed through the chaos, she came across a pile of old birthday cards that revealed a fact that was quietly upsetting.
As I continued to pack my cleaning caddy, my phone began to buzz. It was yet another day, and yet another house that required cleaning. During the time that I was examining my microfiber cloths, I crammed the phone between my shoulder and my ear.
In the name of “Fresh Start Cleaning,” I am Lily.
The voice that came on the other end sounded weak and unsure of itself. “Uh… how are you? This is June, my name. Your cleaning videos are closely followed by my daughter. She instructed me to give you a call. What did she say, “You… help people?”
A grin appeared on my face. For the sake of promoting my company, I had begun uploading before-and-after cleaning movies on the internet; nevertheless, these videos had taken on a life of their own. People seemed to like watching messes disappear for some reason.
I concur, ma’am. So that’s me. Can I be of assistance?
June was hesitant. It is not for me to do. I am Helen, my next-door neighbor. She… is in need of assistance. She is not going to ask, yet she is in fact asking.”
The stress in her voice made me pause. I had heard that tone before; it was a mixture of affection and fear that an individual experiences when they watch a buddy gradually withdraw from life on their own.
“Please tell me about Helen,” I replied as I sat down on a stool in the vicinity.
The words “She used to be so lively” were spoken by June, with a slight crack in her voice. “Always in her garden,” she repeated. During the fair, her roses were awarded prizes. However, as of late, her yard has become a veritable jungle. There is a backlog of newspapers. When I showed up to see how she was doing the previous week, she hardly opened the door at all. However, what I observed and smelled behind her was…”
There was no need for her to elaborate further. I felt a tightening in it. I was completely aware of what that meant.
With a quiet voice, June continued, “It wasn’t always like this.” “She is a decent human being. Irreparable damage occurred within her. I simply do not know what to say.”
There was no need for me to hear any further.
“Text me the address,” I informed her. If you give me an hour, I’ll be there.
A rapid message was sent to Jordan, my husband and business partner, stating that there was an urgent need for cleaning. Not sure how severe it is yet. It’s possible that backup is required.
Very quickly, he responded, “I got it.” Just keep me updated.
My “first response” kit, which included a mask, gloves, basic supplies, and a change of clothes, was the first thing I grabbed before heading out.
The house that Helen lived in was a modest cottage with a single floor and faded blue siding. It appeared as though the lawn had been abandoned, as it was untamed and overgrown. Flowers withered and clung to window boxes that were falling apart. The mailbox was slammed to the ground and stuffed to capacity.
Just once, I knocked. There was no reaction. I banged once more, this time to a louder volume.
There was a sound of footsteps with a shuffle, and the door opened slightly. A woman peered out. Very light. I am exhausted. A mess was made of her gray-streaked hair, and the rims of her eyes were red.
While she was already locking the door, she mumbled, “I’m not going to buy anything.”
In a soft voice, I stated, “I’m not selling.” “I am here because June requested that I come,” I said. Her concern is directed at you.
Helen’s lips became more stringy. “I have the ability to handle it on my own.”
I could hear the tone of embarrassment in her voice. The identical words had been spoken by my mother when I was growing up, even as boxes and rubbish gradually took over every inch of our home.
“Yes, I do understand,” I whispered. “There are times when taking care of things requires accepting assistance. When I first started my business, I wanted to be able to clean for those who were looking to start over. There are no conditions connected.”
Helen fixed her gaze on me. Finally, her shoulders began to drop. “I am completely completely at a loss for words.”
You don’t have to do that. That’s the reason I’m here. Have you ever considered spending the day with June while I am at work? It might make things simpler.”
A little later, Helen gave a slight nod. Give me a moment to get my purse.
Her eyes were set downward the entire time she was walking to June’s door, and she was wearing a cardigan that was full of holes and carrying a handbag that was worn out.
As soon as June responded, her face brightened up. “Helen! ” “It is wonderful to see you again.” Her grin became wider as she caught a glimpse of me peeking over Helen’s shoulder. The phrase “Come in, I just made tea”
The door was opened by Helen. “You are very kind, June.”
To me, June uttered a quiet “thank you” with her mouth. While I was walking back to Helen’s house, I already dialed Jordan’s number. I nodded.
The industrial waste bags should be brought in. I also have a respirator.”
In thirty minutes, Jordan showed up with various pieces of equipment. After taking a single look, he stepped inside and let out a sigh.
Does she have been living in such a manner?
I gave a slight nod. “I guess for a while,” she said.
Although it wasn’t exactly hoarder-level, the house was in a terrible state. The walls were covered in mold. Dishes that had been crusted filled the sink. There was a heavy presence of mildew, stale food, and something more sinister to the air: grief.
My gloves were pulled on by me. “Everything begins with the kitchen. Toss aside anything that has gone bad. I’ll go ahead and head to the bedrooms.”
There was a mountain of laundry and rubbish stored in the master bedroom. Sitting on a chair is a pile of clothing. Bottles of prescription medication, including antidepressants and sleep aids, all bear Helen’s name.
On the other hand, it was the second bedroom that caused me to pause in the vestibule.
The cleanliness seemed eerie. There was a noticeable amount of dust in the air, which was visible in the light that penetrated the dirty glass. In the corners, there were cobwebs that hung like curtains. A twin bed was left unoccupied, and a mobile solar system was suspended above it. The planets in the system were positioned at strange angles. The boys’ clothes were neatly folded and stored on a dresser. T-shirts, superhero pajamas, and school uniforms for a child who is around 10 years old.
This was not a spare room in any way.
It was a memorial service.
I reluctantly withdrew from the situation and went back to my job. As we were cleaning out the primary living areas, I discovered photographs of a young child, possibly ten years old, with sparkling eyes and curly hair, smiling in each and every one of the photographs. He was riding a bicycle. While he was laughing with a man, most likely his father, sitting on his shoulders.
The photos, however, came to an abrupt halt. There are no photographs that are older than that age.
After some time had passed, I discovered a collection of birthday cards stashed away in a drawer in the master bedroom. Everything is addressed to “Caleb.” The last one seemed to be written in a trembling handwriting: “You would have been 13 today.”
What if it had been?
As if I had been punched in the gut, the words struck me.
This is how the tale went. Why everything is in such a mess. The sorrow was so profound that it had begun to take root in every nook and cranny of the house.
At the beginning of the afternoon, we had cleared enough space for us to breathe. In the meantime, I was finishing up the cleaning of the kitchen while Jordan was working on the bathroom.
I was able to locate an old newspaper that was folded and folded in a drawer. On the verge of throwing it away, I noticed Helen’s name on it.
While rushing to the hospital, a local man was found dead in a car accident, according to the headline.
Earlier that day, their son Caleb, who was ten years old, had been sent to County General Hospital. The article described how James, Helen’s husband, had been driving too fast to reach the hospital from where their son had been taken. James was unable to make it. Even though the story did not reveal what transpired with Caleb, I was already aware of it.
I walked over to June’s house, which is nearby. Helen was sitting at the kitchen table, her hands encircling a mug of tea that was slightly chilly.
“I discovered this,” I replied as I set the newspaper down on the table.
Helen gave it a quick glance before turning her attention elsewhere. I ought to have discarded that more than a few years ago.
I responded in a gentle tone, “But you didn’t.”
However, she did not respond immediately. June remained sedentary at the sink, attentively listening.
Helen’s voice was hushed as she eventually stated, “Caleb suffered from asthma.” We were successful up until the point where we were unable to continue. There was a day when things became quite difficult. It was I who drove him to the hospital. James was working all day. After he received the call, he made a hasty trip to meet us. He was never able to arrive?
Hardly, she took a breath.
The following week, Caleb passed away.
Neither of us spoke. Just made a move to grab her hand.
I whispered, “You failed to change the atmosphere of the room.”
Helen gave a slight nod, tears making their way down her cheeks. “At first, I was thinking that I would alter it. But I was unable to. Next, I had the idea that I would go in there more. However, I was unable to accomplish that as well. I simply closed the door behind me.
“What about the birthday greetings?”
She uttered a half-sob, half-laugh mixture. “They were my way of making it appear as though he was still present.” Once a year, I would compose one. All it did was make the pain even worse. I was aware that it was ridiculous.
June, who was sitting next to her, responded, “No.” “You are in love. Regarding that, there is nothing absurd about it.
Helen could not contain her emotions and sobbed into her hands. It was June who encircled her with her arm. As I sat there calmly, I gave her the space she needed to do so.
After some time had passed, Helen turned her eyes toward me with a red rim. “Is the house… is it terrible?”
‘It’s not beyond saving,’ I muttered to myself. “We have already made a significant amount of headway. Are you interested in seeing?”
Helen halted in the threshold of her home when she returned there. Jordan retreated one step.
He stated, “We are not finished,” but he added, “but it is coming together.”
The door was opened by Helen. Her gaze traveled across the spotless living room, taking in the glittering sink and the wiped-down countertops. She moved carefully, feeling the surfaces around her as if she wasn’t entirely certain that they were real.
Upon reaching the entrance to the second bedroom, she came to a halt.
In a speedy manner, I stated, “We did not touch it.” To begin, I would want to inquire.
Helen gave a slight nod. “I am grateful.”
The slightest grin appeared on her lips for the very first time that day, despite the fact that her voice was shaking.
In response, I stated, “We’ll be back tomorrow.” In addition to the remaining rooms, there is also the yard.
“That sounds good to me,” Helen responded. This is true.
When Helen woke up the following morning, she was wearing a fresh blouse and her hair was brushed. June extended an invitation to me to join her for breakfast. After that, we are going to discuss the plants that will be used in the garden. If you don’t mind, all right?
“It’s perfect,” I said to myself.
While Jordan worked on the yard, I worked on finishing up the other rooms. The metamorphosis was almost finished by the time the afternoon rolled around. The house was not only clean; it had a revitalized sense of life.
With June by her side, Helen made her way back, carrying a tray of planted herbs.
“For the window in the kitchen,” June answered with a grin on her face.
Helen did a quick glance around while fighting back tears. “I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude.”
“You don’t have to,” I asserted to her.
I took a quick look back through the window of the kitchen as we were packing things. Coffee was being consumed by Helen and June as they sat at the table. Hearing a quiet chuckle.
It was as if a door had finally opened inside of Helen, allowing the light to once again enter her life. Helen had experienced a change.
I was drawn to Jordan’s work. In other words, a fresh start?
I cracked a grin. “The most spotless one to date.”
