The House

4. she closes the car door behind you

She closes the car door behind you once you’ve exited, then returns to the driver’s side and leaves at a leisurely pace, leaving you there in front of the House. It is evening now, and soon the sun will soon set behind you, but right now it reflects off of the House’s many windows, giving the House a welcoming glow. You swallow nervously, and then walk up the short path that leads from the driveway and the wide stairs that culminate at the House’s front door.

The double-doors are twice as tall as you are and covered in ornate carvings of climbing roses and vines with thorns. Above the door is a phrase carved onto a ribbon of stone:

All is forgiven, all is forgotten.

The key at your wrist is too small for this door, and indeed, you don’t even see a lock, so you try to push the left one open. To your surprise, it gives.

You enter into a grand hall with staircases descending on either side. The floor is marble, now lit up with evening’s light, and the ceiling is painted with playful maidens, satyrs, and cherubs. Statues of mythological men and women are positioned at intervals along the wall with graceful alabaster limbs, shyly leaning down to pick up clothing as though you’ve caught them exiting a pool.

You walk out to the middle and stand in awe, looking around the room, when you hear footsteps begin to descend. Turning, you see a man walking down the leftmost stair. He breaks into a smile. There is no confusion with him, he knows who you are, and why you are there.

“You’ve arrived.”

You swallow and nod. “Who are you?”

“The butler.” He reaches the landing and then walks over to you, stopping a few feet away. He’s elegantly dressed, dark hair, dark eyes, sharp features to match his suit. The only thing that seems to imply his station are the black gloves that cover both his hands. “Do you have the key?” he asks, and you hold it up again. “Good. It is my duty to make sure that you understand the rules.”

“Rules? Is this a game – or a test?”

He smiles knowingly and parts his hands. “It is whatever you make of it. Everything is up you to.”

“And the master of the house? Where is he?”

“I have no doubt you’ll meet him in time.” He gestures for you to follow him, and, not sure where else to go, you do.

“The key opens all of the doors in the house, except for the front ones, which are always unlocked.” He begins to mount the stairs and you follow, holding onto the gilded railings with your bare hands. “You need not fear losing the key, no one here wants to take it from you – in fact, you can take it with you when you leave, as a memento.”

You reach the top of the stairs right after he does. The gilded railings continue, making a hallway along one side of the wall. Huge renaissance paintings alternate with colored doorways. The butler turns to watch your face as he continues speaking.

“You will have from sundown to sunup to do with the House and all of its servants as you will.”

“What do you mean?” you say, startled.

“I mean that there will be no consequences from tonight, and no record of what you do here, except for what you take home in your own mind.” His lips lift in a subtle smile. “The House is here to serve you, and I am here to serve the House. It is three minutes until sundown. Would you like for me to show you your first doors?”

You swing the key out into your hand. It has a comforting weight to it, like a particularly heavy charm. It has been a long time since you’ve worn jewelry. You look at the butler, and you nod.

“Some doors you may listen at first, others are purposefully kept as surprises. But remember you may exit any room at any time, the House’s servants will not keep you.”

He walks over to three doors spaced evenly out. One is white, one is purple, and one is gray. They all seem to pick up and blend with the colors of the paintings beside them.

The butler glances over your shoulder at the distant windows of the front hall. “The sun is down. You are the mistress of the house now, until dawn.” He bows deeply. “Please listen, choose, and enjoy.”

You step forward and put your ear to the white door. There is the sound of a bath being drawn. If you would like to take a bath, touch here.

You step forward and put your ear to the purple door. There are two men having a conversation inside. If you would like to join them, touch here.

You step forward and put your ear to the gray door. Inside are no voices, but there is the hissing sound of rope sliding over rope. If you would like to enter, touch here.