House of Cards

A character gets to visit the home they grew up in. What feelings and memories come rushing back when they step through the door and walk around?

“I don’t know if I can do this.” Amy spoke into the cold air. Trevor, her boyfriend, grabbed her hand.

“Babe, you are one of the strongest people I know. If anyone can do this, it’s you. I’m going to be here for you the whole time, okay?”

Amy began to feel a little more at ease “Okay.”

In front of the couple stood a beautiful brick house with vines traveling up the side. Two windows faced the front of the house like a pair of eyes, basking in all of the outdoor activities. The iron rod fence rattled when the couple walked through and both of them proceeded up the perfectly paved steps.

The memories were so abundant for Amy it felt like a snowstorm was taking place as they walked through the cotton-colored wooden door. She started to observe the shadows that used to have substance, the people that developed her story. She approached the kitchen and watched her mother preparing her and and her sister’s lunches while ironing her husband’s button downs. Amy was greeted by her sister who was sitting on the floor in the living room. Her smile was richer than Bill Gates’ net worth as she played with her favorite stuffed animal, Teddy Rose. 

Trevor woke Amy out of her state of remembrance “Are you okay to go upstairs?”

Her stomach became a boy scout that started to create knots. She nodded and Trevor slowly led her up the staircase. Amy clutched the banister, transforming her movement into a slow motion stagger.Amy and Trevor arrived at the entrance of her old bedroom. She could smell the cupcakes she used to cook in her easy bake oven. She heard her best friend’s laughter in the air and watched them twirling around to an N’SYNC album in her pink stereo. She began to close her eyes and she watched her old self climb into bed.

The prince that she always saw in Disney films kissed her hand as he escorted her to the ball. Everyone else stopped what they were doing to watch the grand performance. Young Amy and the prince kept unbreakable eye contact as they danced circles around the polished floor. The prince pulled her closer and whispered “You are so precious.” Young Amy smiled until she looked down and saw red paint on the ballroom floor.

Amy opened her eyes to witness her stepfather on top of Young Amy. Blood was soaked in the sheets that had horses and innocence on them. Amy let out a scream that echoed through the abandoned house. 

Trevor quickly came to her rescue “Everything is going to be okay sweetie. He’s never getting out of prison.”

Tears ran down her pale cheeks “Why did he have to hurt me?” 

The walls started to grieve as they enclosed the couple in a room of nightmares who had wished their pain was only a dream.