Phoebe finds a small house in a quiet neighborhood and thinks that getting a divorce and moving in are the start of her new life. As she goes through her boxes, she meets a great friend who is responsible for Phoebe in a big way.
I felt hopeful and like a new beginning when we moved into the little house at the end of Maple Street. Lily, my 6-year-old daughter, and I were the only ones there.
After a rough year, we were finally starting over. I went through a hard split with Lily’s father, and Lily had to figure out life without her father living with her.
She told me in a soft voice one night, “It’s okay, Mom.” “I don’t like how Dad yelled at us all the time.”
At that point, it was clear that we had to get away.
As soon as I met Mrs. Thompson, she made me think of my grandmother. I felt like moving here was the right choice because she made me feel like a mother.
“Hi, my name is Hazel,” she said as she brought us a tray of warm cookies. “I’m so happy that you’re moving in.” That’s my house.
She showed me the little house right next to mine.
When she saw Lily jump into a pile of leaves, she asked, “Who is this little girl?”
I introduced them by saying, “This is Lily, my daughter.” “We had to start over.”
But Mrs. Thompson insisted on coming over and helping me unpack on the day of our move.
I told them, “No, thank you.” If you want to stay and hang out with me, feel free. But I’ll do all the work.
“Don’t be silly,” she said. She said with a smile, “These old bones still have a lot of energy in them.”
The whole afternoon, we worked together to clean up the kitchen, living room, and Lily’s room while talking and laughing. The hard job was more fun with Mrs. Thompson’s company, and I appreciated her kindness.
As the old woman put Lily’s books on her shelves, I said, “Mrs. Thompson.” I felt both thankful and guilty. “You don’t need to do all of this.” Thanks for all your help, but I’m sorry to take up your time.
She waved her hand and said, “Oh, no, Phoebe.” “I like being with you. Now and then it’s been too quiet here. I don’t go out much because I get dizzy sometimes. It’s also been good for me.
As evening came on, Mrs. Thompson asked me to have dinner at her house.
She said, “I’ll just throw something together.” “Lily is with your mom, leaving you alone at the new house.” At least this way, I’ll know you’ve eaten before you leave.
I watched her as she cut up veggies to put in a pot of pasta while I sat in her kitchen. I had never been so thankful for a stranger before.
I told my mom about how hard the split was, and she tried to get me to work harder with Lily’s dad, Garrett.
She told me, “Phoebe, just give it another try.” “You should be proud of how hard you worked for Lily.”
Soon after, I didn’t tell anyone about the split. I only told my parents so they could spend time with Lily. So, being around Mrs. Thompson made me feel better. I needed something I didn’t know I did.
It was getting dark, so I said goodbye. As she walked me out the door, she gave me a soft hug.
She shut the front door and said, “If you need anything, dear, don’t be afraid to ask.”
I was tired but happy that night, so I chose to put off the last few boxes until the next day.
“That’s tomorrow’s problem,” I said with a sigh as I went to bed.
Night was peaceful, with thoughts of the fresh start I had just made in my life. As I walked into the living room the next morning with a cup of coffee, my eyes went straight to an envelope that had been put on one of the boxes that were still there.
It was written to “The New Owner.”
I opened it because I was interested and found a well-written note inside:
To My New Neighbor,
Hey, welcome to your new house! Have a great time in this neighborhood! It’s been good to me for many years. I couldn’t tell you in person, but there’s something important you should know about this house.
You see, the previous owner and I had a special deal about Sheldon, an exotic and needy turtle that lives in the basement and is loved by both of us.
Sheldon has lived in this house for decades and needs special care and attention. Being responsible for taking care of him after the previous owner died fell on me. I told old Raymond I would do it until someone else bought the house.
I’m sorry, but I’m now too old to keep taking care of Sheldon. It was my hope that you would take care of it. I’ve seen how happy Lily is at home and in the yard, where she plays and laughs loudly.
Not in front of her, because I didn’t want her to get excited about him. I didn’t want to make things hard for you.
Sheldon is kind and has been a beloved member of the family, but taking care of him takes a lot of time and needs certain skills and tools. You are a single mom, so I know you already have a lot on your plate. I don’t want to add to your stress as you start over.
Tell me what you want us to do.
Many thanks,
The Hazel Thompson
I tried to understand what Mrs. Thompson had written as I stood there with the note in my hands. Even though she was nice and the tortoise was interesting, I knew I couldn’t take on such a big burden.
It was nice to think that Lily might want to take care of the turtle, but I didn’t want to take on that job so quickly.
I chose to talk to Mrs. Thompson later that day. There was a soft knock on the door next to mine. There was a small change in her warm smile when she saw the note in my hand when she opened the door.
She said in a soft voice, “Ah, you found it.”
“I’m not sure what to say to Mrs. Thompson.” “Sheldon sounds great, but I don’t think I can take care of him,” I started. “Lily and I are the only ones here. We moved here to start over.” I can’t take on any more duties, especially ones that are so hard to do.
Yes, she did. Her eyes were full of understanding and a little sadness.
She said, “Of course, I get it.” “I like him more now.” Also, did you know that the turtle is often a symbol of lifelong living, immortality, and the circle of life in some cultures?
I hoped I was doing the right thing when I said, “Thank you for understanding.”
“Phoebe, why don’t you stay for a cup of tea?” She asked.
I turned my head away.
I told her, “I need to get back; I need to pick up Lily soon.” “Could you take the tortoise away before I bring her home?”
I got a nod from Mrs. Thompson.
“He’ll be gone when you get back.”
When I got back to my house, I didn’t unpack the last few boxes or get ready to get my daughter. Instead, I sat on the couch.
There was something odd about Mrs. Thompson’s face when I told her I didn’t want the turtle. She seemed sad in a way that I couldn’t figure out. It was there, though.
And because I like to make other people happy, I didn’t want to be there anymore. The fresh start didn’t feel so fresh anymore. It wasn’t the same. It made me sad that I had already let down someone I was getting to like.
The next morning, I sold the house and looked for a new place for Lily and me to start over. I did this with a sad heart but complete knowledge of what was best for us.
For now, no pets,” I told the real estate agent. “That’s something Lily and I will decide when she gets older.”
It was hard to move out so soon after moving in, but I knew it was the right thing to do for us.
As for Mrs. Thompson, I hope she was able to find someone to care for Sheldon. And for us, I was determined to find a place where Lily and I could start over without any extra stress.
What would you have done?
Here’s another story for you if you liked this one |
My husband dyed my hair and made me dress the way he said I should. I found a picture of the woman he made me look like in his drawer.
Lily’s husband Garrett starts giving her hair and makeup tips, and she takes them all because she thinks a fresh start will be good for her. But after some time, when Garrett has made her look perfect, she finds a picture of the lady Garrett has made her into. Everything changes when Lily finds out who the woman is.
I knew Garrett was the one I wanted to be with as soon as I met him. I was ready to be with him forever. I knew it would be a good life when we got married.
My husband recently started asking me to change how I look. We’ve been together for five years.
He touched my hair and said, “I just think you’d look amazing as a redhead.” “Yes, it will be something new.” “But isn’t this a new part of our lives?”
I said, “Sure.” “Why not?” After I go shopping, we’ll get some hair dye.
Garrett gave a happy smile and an eager nod. When did I become interested in red hair again? I wasn’t sure, but I was ready for something new.
I said, “I’m not sure if it will look good on me.” “But the risk is worth it.”
I had no idea what my husband was thinking when he nodded again.
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This work is based on real people and events, but it has been made up for artistic reasons. To protect privacy and make the story better, names, characters, and circumstances have been changed. Any similarity to real people, living or dead, or real events is completely accidental and not on purpose by the author.
The author and publisher don’t promise that the events or people are true to life, and they’re not responsible for any wrong ideas that come up. This story is given “as is,” and any ideas shown are the characters’ alone and do not represent those of the author or publisher.
