Jillian Chantal

This week’s word prompt for the writers of Tuesday Tales is Mother. I’m back in my mystery book.

Check out the other tales here.

As soon as Alice saw her, she paled. “What happened? You’re soaking wet and ashen.”

“I think I’m losing my mind. I was sure someone was in the house. I saw the doorknob move from one direction to another.” She let out an odd sound—a combination of a laugh and a sob—“How could I imagine such a thing? It moved. I swear it moved.”

Alice reached out and took the plunger from her hand, then enveloped her in a hug. “You’re sleeping with me tonight.”

“Because you think my imagination is working over time?” Sophronia shuddered in her friend’s embrace.

“No. Because I’m worried about you. I know you aren’t crazy. I think you’re stressed and need someone to be there if you wake up afraid. That’s all.”

Sophronia stepped back from Alice. “I guess I’m all right with that, but I’m seriously wondering if I should see a doctor. I mean, who goes crazy overnight? I’ve been sane and normal all my life, and in the space of one day, I’m hearing and seeing things that aren’t there.” She grabbed a towel and rubbed it down her hair to try to dry it a bit from the dunk in the tub.

“You’re not crazy. You’ve been worried about those grandkids of Mr. Wright since the will was read and today, you went to the house where there might has been someone there. No wonder you’re spooked. All that pressure on you.”

“I know I didn’t imagine that window coming open here at your house, so I at least I know it was true since I had a witness. That, at least, makes me feel better.”

“I admit, that was strange.” Alice touched Sophronia’s arm. “Come on, you. Let’s get you out of that wet robe before you catch cold.”

“Now you sound like my mother.”

“Someone’s got to do it.”

“I guess I’m glad it’s you.”

They went to Alice’s room where she dug out some flannel pajamas with penguins on them. “These will be warmer than the gown I saw you pack. Put them on and we’ll go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day, you’ll see.”

“It can’t be much worse, can it?”

Alice waggled her right index finger. “Now, don’t tempt fate, missy.”