Epilogue
+1+
Harper’s Hollow is more than a neighborhood, more than a community. It is without a doubt a lifestyle.
The American dream
Each cookie cutter single family home sits on a perfectly green manicured lawn, boxed in by an immaculate white picket fence. Modern sedans are always parked in driveways, sidewalks are always kept clean and outside lights always turn on at 5.In Harper's Hollow neighbors say hello in the morning, children play together in the afternoon and families eat together in the evening. Families start small and grow in the same houses year after year.
Very rarely did a house go up for sale. It was after all the type of neighborhood no one moved out of and no one moved in.
Ever.
That is until 42 Harper’s Hollow was sold by its aging owners.
Soon the prefect beautiful rhythm of Harper’s Hollow was changed by the most peculiar family.
Almost overnight the lawn of 42 Harper's Hollow seemed to bloom, Splashes of reds, white and purple took over the perfect green lawn; unruly vines grew and clutched to the house and fence. Soon the usually quiet house hummed with life.. . . and music
Summer days at Harper’s Hollow allowed for a change to the usual Saturday rhythm. Neighbors watered plants, washed cars and walked pets as they enjoyed the warm weather.
Those out and about that particular summer afternoon glimpsedthe girl perched on a checkered blanket that was strewn on the front lawn of 42 Harper’s Hollow.
The girl was beautiful, a young teenager just shy of fourteen. She had soft clear porcelain skin with curious cream colored eyes and inky black hair. She sat with her sneakers digging into the dirt, occasionally glancing at her perfect neighbors, whom she instantly despised. She didn't offer a wave or smile and neither did they.
Soon a woman who appeared to be a slightly older version of the girl appeared at the front door. The woman had a large flower in her hair, In her arms she held an umbrella and a small basket over her arm. From a distance she quickly caught the eye of fathers and husbands of Harper's Hollow.
The woman set up the large patterned umbrella shading girl’s light complexion and arranged a tea pot and teacups on the checkered blanket
Together the nearly identical pair watched in silence as the neighbors went about their business in their usual tick-tock perfect fashion.
In the evening she closed the curtains. Enveloping 42 Harper's Hollow in darkness, save for her faint silhouette that could be seen through the downstairs window.
Soon the prefect beautiful rhythm of Harper’s Hollow was changed by the most peculiar family.
Almost overnight the lawn of 42 Harper's Hollow seemed to bloom, Splashes of reds, white and purple took over the perfect green lawn; unruly vines grew and clutched to the house and fence. Soon the usually quiet house hummed with life.. . . and music
Summer days at Harper’s Hollow allowed for a change to the usual Saturday rhythm. Neighbors watered plants, washed cars and walked pets as they enjoyed the warm weather.
Those out and about that particular summer afternoon glimpsedthe girl perched on a checkered blanket that was strewn on the front lawn of 42 Harper’s Hollow.
The girl was beautiful, a young teenager just shy of fourteen. She had soft clear porcelain skin with curious cream colored eyes and inky black hair. She sat with her sneakers digging into the dirt, occasionally glancing at her perfect neighbors, whom she instantly despised. She didn't offer a wave or smile and neither did they.
Soon a woman who appeared to be a slightly older version of the girl appeared at the front door. The woman had a large flower in her hair, In her arms she held an umbrella and a small basket over her arm. From a distance she quickly caught the eye of fathers and husbands of Harper's Hollow.
The woman set up the large patterned umbrella shading girl’s light complexion and arranged a tea pot and teacups on the checkered blanket
Together the nearly identical pair watched in silence as the neighbors went about their business in their usual tick-tock perfect fashion.
Marlene Granby, daughter of the owners of 40 Harper's Hollow, left her manicured lawn and the watchful eye her apple-pie award winning mother and leaned over the fence seperating the houses.
Marlene Granby offered a kind smile and wave to the new neighbors. The girl waved shyly back, then smiled as Mrs. Granby called Marlene back over.
The girl settled back against the woman's shoulder and watched Marlene and Mrs. Granby. The girl smiled deciding a part of her might like her new home after all.
"Please Rose, try to stay out of trouble this time", The older woman warned
Rose picked up her cold tea cup and tapped it against the cup clasped in the woman's hand.
"I will if you will, Mother"
The two shared a quick smile neither of them making any promises.
+2+
She ran her fingers over the piano keys and shut the intricately carved lid deciding there would be no music tonight. Stepping on the bench she sat on top of the piano, watching as the neighborhood lights clicked off in perfect succession. She lets out a sigh and toys with the ornate hourglass sitting next to her.
She turns it over a few times and set down the hourglass and extends her hand. From his chair a man takes her hand and kisses it. Quickly lifting her from the piano and placing her on her feet. Her arms now rest around his neck.
For a while there is nothing but silence and quiet whispers between the two, as if they are the only ones alive in the quiet suburb of Harper's Hollow.
After a moment she frowns at the hourglass on the piano that has now run empty. She reaches over to the the hourglass and turns it over, deciding they would always need more time.
The End.
After a moment she frowns at the hourglass on the piano that has now run empty. She reaches over to the the hourglass and turns it over, deciding they would always need more time.
The End.