They've pulled the Folly down. I remember that place from many years ago. Because it was such a fine day I'd skipped school. Who want's school when brain says play?
I knew of a creek just out of town; boys favourite places. I shed shoes and socks and rolled up trousers. Before long I was wading in deep water. No matter, I'd soon dry out with the warm breeze. I spashed around and then heard a laugh so looked across the other bank. A girl sat there about my age. I waved and she waved back .
She then called out "Can I come over too?"
I answered "Yeah! If you can find a way."
With that she disappears and must have run as it seemed to be seconds before she turns up grinning and takes off her shoes, tucks skirt in knickers and comes right in, balancing with arms outstretched.
We stayed and played for quite some time, then she said :Do you want to come home with me?"
I looked into her green eyes as we put our shoes and socks back on and said "Won't your Mum be cross if our clothes are all wet?"
She shook her head and grabbed my hand. "No way" she said and pulled me along.
She took us to the Folly which I thought was empty and up for sale as all curtains were drawn. We entered by the kitchen door and sat there. She touched my hands and then my face; so I did the same and as she closed her eyes I kissed her.
"Remember me" she said "and do come back". I nodded as it was time to go.
I got told off for skipping school but never saw her again. Later the Folly had a fire but no bodies were found and has stayed empty all these years
Image found at https://www.pulse.ng.bi.lifestyle/10-abandoned-mansions-around-world
What a killer ending (if you'll pardon the pun). It's good to read one of your stories again
ReplyDeleteNice story, Robin. I was hoping that she would have kissed you first, my first grade girl friend did me, down on the storm cellar steps where we were private, at school recess.
ReplyDeleteYou fit the old house in nicely, I began to wonder how it would come in. I had one to play in also, just me though. My sister may have come there once.
..
There is a definite sweetness to this ghost story. A ghost girl just looking for a friend and finding someone special. And I'm glad no bodies were found. Because it feels like a happy home for a ghost.
ReplyDeleteOld buildings hold so many stories and likely a few spirits as well. I love the name, The Folly. It must have an interesting history.
ReplyDeleteI love that you can make eerie romantic. I love how they meet, their play, and the longing in her tone when she says, “do come back.”
ReplyDeleteA haunting and chilling story Robin! I love it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I liked this one the girl who wanted to have fun and I think she will be remembered long after she's moved on. Old houses are full of adventure.
ReplyDeleteAw! Sweet and spooky!
ReplyDeleteOooh this is romantic horror. I wonder if she was a ghost? I’m intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI love how it ends up in a mystery... a girl who might have been dead for many years before you met her... but who knows.
ReplyDeleteSo gently spooky! I love this one. And what a great illustration you found.
ReplyDeleteShivery good story!
ReplyDeleteVery, very cool!
ReplyDelete