Claire spent the majority of the day at the Hanovers’, learning the various tasks and chores she would be doing in the milk house and around the farm. She enjoyed the work, and she felt confident that in time she would learn more about the running of the dairy farm. The day passed quickly, and as evening approached Claire bid the Hanovers farewell and began her walk back home. The sun was low in the sky and cast golden light over the landscape. She felt satisfied with the work she had accomplished during her first day. She walked along the dirt road at a leisurely pace, carrying a basket in one hand, which was filled with fresh milk, cheese, and butter. Mrs. Hanover had prepared the basket, and sent it home with Claire, slipping in a few coins beneath the goods.
At last, Claire reached her front door. The sun had dipped below the horizon, transforming the sky into shades of yellow and pink fading into grey. Claire paused, looking at the sky and thought to herself how different the day felt as compared to this morning. She too felt different, and she gently touched the pendant, breathing a deep, contented sigh. Claire turned, placing her hand upon the handle, and let herself into the small foyer. She could hear her mother in the kitchen, no doubt preparing supper. She felt her heart flutter with excitement. She could not wait to tell her parents about her good luck in finding work. She hung her shawl on a hook and made her way towards the kitchen, which was situated at the rear of the house. Her mother heard her steps as she walked along the passage leading back to the kitchen.
“Is that you, Claire?” her mother called out.
“Yes, Ma-ma” replied Claire.
“My dearest, you left very early this morning. Where have you been all day?”
“Ma-ma, I have the most wonderful news! I will tell you and Papa everything at supper.”
Her mother looked at Claire curiously, “And what do you have in the basket there?”
“I promise, I will explain everything. Do you need any help finishing up supper?”
“No, no. Go and wash up, and tell your father that supper is ready.”
“I will. Let me take this basket into the cellar, first.”
Claire walked past her mother and opened a narrow door, which led down into the cellar. She flipped a small switch, attached to the wall, and walked gingerly down the stone steps. As she descended beneath the main level of the house, the temperature of the air grew cooler. The cellar was dimly lit from a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room. Claire located space on a nearby shelf and began to unpack the basket. Underneath the wheel of cheese, Claire found the silver coins that Mrs. Hanover had stashed. She smiled and sent out a thought of thanks. She dropped the coins into her pocket and hung the basket by its handle from one of the many hooks that dangled from the ceiling.
She returned to the kitchen, as her mother was setting the table. Claire washed her hands and face in the sink, the pendant dangling from her neck as she bent over the basin. After drying her hands and face, she tucked the necklace beneath her shirt in a swift, inconspicuous motion. Claire did not understand why, but she wanted to keep the pendant a secret, at least for now. She felt surprised that her mother had not noticed her wearing it when she had first walked into the kitchen.
With the pendant now concealed, she walked down the long passage towards the sitting room. She found her father sitting in his favorite chair, which was nearest to the window at the front of the house. He had not heard Claire’s approaching footsteps, and he appeared to be deep in thought.
“Hello Papa,” said Claire.
At this greeting, Claire’s father jerked his head in her direction. He replied dazedly, “Oh, Claire. I didn’t hear you come in. What is the time?” He reached for his pocket watch.
“Supper is ready, Papa. Also, I have some news to share with you and Ma-ma.”
“I see. Well, then let us not delay any further.”
He got up from his chair and motioned for Claire to lead the way. They returned to the kitchen, where her mother was waiting. They each took their respective chairs – Claire’s father sitting at the head of the table. Although Claire was rather peckish, she could not wait a moment longer in telling her parents all that had transpired that day.
“I have got a job!” Claire blurted out excitedly.
Her parents stared at her with surprise. “What do you mean, Claire?” her mother asked.
“The Hanovers have offered me work on their farm. That’s where I have been all day.”
“I don’t understand. Why have they offered you work, Claire?” asked her father.
“Please, don’t be angry with me. I know that you and Ma-ma are worried about…about money. I overheard you talking the other night. I felt so sad, and I want to be helpful. I am certainly old enough to work, and I want to work.”
Her mother’s eyes glistened with tears. Her father’s expression too had softened. He leaned across the table, and with his left hand he held Claire’s face.
He smiled warmly, “My sweet girl. You have the kindest and most loving heart.”
Claire smiled back. A sense of relief and gratitude swelled throughout her chest. She continued her telling her story and produced the coins from her pocket. She told them everything in great detail, except for the strange encounter with the red-bearded man and how he had given her the pendant. With her story concluded and supper finished, Claire helped her mother to clear the table and wash the dishes. They all three retired to the sitting room. Her father read aloud a chapter from his favorite book, while Claire and her mother sipped tea. For the first time since the accident, her parents’ spirits seemed lighter and hopeful. Claire felt relaxed and completely at ease. Her eyes were heavy, and she felt that sleep was not far off.
She wished her parents goodnight and made her way upstairs to her room. She changed out of her clothes and into her nightgown. Beside her bed, she stood before the floor-length mirror and gazed at her reflection. Her eyes were drawn to the pendant. She traced the four leaves of the clover beneath the glass with her forefinger. As she stared at the pendant’s reflection, her eyes saw a quick flash and for a brief moment she witnessed an image, not of herself, but that of Katie. Claire blinked and looked again into the mirror. The reflection that stared back was her own. Claire shook her head and thought that she simply must be tired. She turned out the light and crawled into her bed. Once she closed her eyes, Claire fell fast asleep.
Her mind swirled with dreams. She dreamt of her childhood – long, summer days spent at the river with the Hanover children and the old oak tree she and Katie used to climb. The tree had been their special hideaway, a place where they could be together and share their most intimate secrets. Claire’s dreams wove together all of her happy memories with Katie, the images bright and vibrant with color. Gradually the images darkened, and the memories of Katie’s disappearance flashed through Claire’s mind. She saw the tear-stained faces of the Hanovers. Next she was running to the oak tree, hoping to find Katie there. Looking up, time seemed to race across the sky. In one instant the moon and stars shown, and in the next instant the sun quickly rose and then set again. The passing of night and day quickened the longer Claire’s dream-self stared up at the sky, and her head felt dizzy.
Suddenly, everything stopped and it was night again. Claire’s eyes, still gazing upward, noticed a soft light amongst the branches of the oak tree. She began climbing the tree, and when she reached the hideaway, she saw a glowing orb of light, floating before her. Claire inched closer to the light, her eyes transfixed. She reached out with both hands and gently cradled the orb in her palms. She drew it towards her; something about it felt so familiar. She heard indistinct whispers emanating from it, and she listened closely. A clear and ethereal voice spoke, “Claireeee.”
Claire started and dropped the orb. As it fell from her hands, the light expanded and grew brighter. There was a quick flash, and when Claire looked again, she saw Katie sitting right in front of her. Her heart leapt into her throat; even in her dream, she could not believe her eyes.
“Katie?” Claire asked tentatively.
Katie nodded her head in response.
Forgetting that she was still dreaming, Claire smiled and felt her sorrow leave. “Katie, we have all been so worried about you. Where have you been all this time? I’ve missed you so much.”
Katie stared back at Claire with an impassive expression. She slowly opened her mouth, and when she spoke her voice sounded hushed and constrained. “Claire….You have to help me, Claire.”
“What do you mean? You’re here. You’re safe. Everything is alright” Claire spoke hurriedly.
Katie raised her arm, pointing her finger at Claire’s neck. Claire looked down and saw the pendant. It was glowing, and the metal felt warm against her skin. Claire did not understand what Katie meant, nor did she understand why the necklace now felt as though it were alive. Claire touched the pendant, and it seemed to vibrate beneath her fingers. She looked again into Katie’s eyes. Katie looked back at her, with a lost and pleading gaze.
Katie spoke slowly, “Claire….Please….Please, help me.”
“I’m right here, Katie. I’m here!” Claire felt confused and helpless.
Katie reached out her hand. Claire extended her hand towards Katie’s. The moment their fingers touched, Katie vanished. Claire looked around, and she called out for Katie.
Silence.
Claire’s heart beat faster and she began to panic. She yelled louder, screaming Katie’s name. She woke with a start and found herself back in her room. Her heart was still racing, and her skin felt damp with sweat. She sat up in her bed and looked about her, realizing that she had only been dreaming. It had all felt so real; the pendant now seemed cold and lifeless resting between her collarbones. She recalled the desperate look in Katie’s eyes. A lump formed inside her throat and tears filled her eyes. She hugged her knees into her chest and quietly wept.
This post is part of Fiction Friday, which is one out of two featured blog days. For suggestions or requests on future topics, please drop me a line here or connect with me on social media.