Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Story-Time Tuesday Chapter 9

If you missed STORIES FROM HOME - Chapter 8 just Click here to read it!

Jenny Matlock

STORIES FROM HOME - Chapter Nine

The next morning, the sun shone weakly through the grimy window panes, waking Riley from her restless sleep.

She quietly climbed out of bed and tiptoed down the stairs without her usual bright energy. Not even glancing at the bottom cupboard and the adorable baby chipmunks, she walked silently through the kitchen and opened the back kitchen door.

Instead of jumping down the three stone steps, Riley just leaned against the peeling paint of the little house. Her eyes seemed more gray than blue today and didn’t seem to notice that the storm had passed.

White, puffy clouds wandered across a pure, brilliant blue sky in the breeze and were reflected in the many mud puddles left behind. We all know that mud puddles attract small children like magnets, but if Riley noticed their inviting presence, she gave no sign.

She just leaned quietly against the sturdy little house lost in thought.

Even though Riley was just a little girl, it seemed she already knew that sometimes, although we fear being alone when we are troubled, silence and a bit of quiet is just what is needed to sort through jumbled thoughts.

And so she leaned, lost in contemplation. After several, long moments had passed, she closed her eyes and finally the whispered the question that was most bothering her into the fresh, morning air, “Who is going to take care of us?”

Almost immediately it felt like someone clearly whispered an answer back to her! The answer she heard was, “You are going to take care of yourself. And I am going to help you.”

The words Riley heard were so clear and strong that her eyes popped open and she looked around. She was alone, but somehow she didn’t feel frightened anymore.

With a hop and a skip she rushed back through the kitchen and into the little hallway!

“Julia, Morgan! Wake up!” she yelled loudly.

And as her loud and happy voice filled the room, it felt like the hopeful, little house was surrounding her with a smile.

To be continued on Tuesday, June 21.

(c) 2010 Jennifer R. Matlock
This publication is the exclusive property of Jennifer R. Matlock and is protected
under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws. The contents of this post/story may not be reproduced as a whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, without consent of the author, Jennifer R. Matlock. All rights reserved.

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16 comments:

Terra said...

Feeling alone and contemplating life is so real, so powerful at any age and this old house is surrounding these girls with love and hope and frankly, there is nothing better than love and hope.

Brenda said...

I had to catch up before reading this weeks chapter. Somehow I missed last weeks and it was so sweet I am glad I went back. Your story is unfolding so nicely I cannot wait to read the next chapter.

Beedeebabee said...

Hi Jenny! I had to do some serious catching up the other day. I just love this little story!!! I hope it never ends! xo Paulette

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You've got us right where you want us, Matlock!

Tina said...

Sigh...you keep us always wanting more, girlfriend! How are things progressing with the illustrations?

Marlene said...

You have a knack for ending your little chapters at the precise moment when I'm looking to scroll down for more! Heehee!!!

Can't wait until the next chapter!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

So sweet, Jenny! I love that little house. I feel like my St. Augustine house whispers that to me when I'm there. Someone once told me, you could never be sad in this house, and you can't. It really is a happy house.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Ms. A said...

You sure a making Tuesdays more enjoyable!

The Words Crafter said...

Are you writing this as a book? I would buy it. Now. Gimmie!!! *sigh* When is next Tuesday? Are we there yet? This is such a sweet story!

Linda Medrano said...

Love this Jenny! Gave me a shiver when the little house answered.

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

I am catching up now. I loved the part with the oil lamps. I always have oil lamps around in case of a storm. No one else likes their smell, but I do.

Lourie said...

Oooh! I can hardly wait til next week.

Cheryl said...

Beautiful.

Lisa said...

Oh i love this! I am so glad she is full of hope again!
Hugs, Lisa

Mrs. M said...

WAH!! This was much too short!! I want more...but I guess I can wait it out!! :)

Jewel said...

i finally sat down and read this story....now i want more...lol. seriously though, i believe every house has a "voice" and this story captures that belief quite well.