"Finally!"
I exclaimed tiredly straightening up and stretching my back before I dropped the mop on the ground,
'who knew cleaning a fireplace would be this difficult'.
"I feel like I ran a marathon and back"
I groaned as I headed for the kitchen "and I only managed to clean downstairs".
Even though I wasn't a clean freak I always had a rule,
the place I resided in must be at least in a livable condition and with all the dust in the air and on the furniture,
I couldn't breathe properly let alone rest comfortably.
The soles of my feet were starting to burn at this point and walking became difficult yet there was still this element of excitement and happiness that dulled that feeling as I walked around discovering this place.
It felt like finding a secret spot in the woods, a fortunate stroke of serendipity, something surreal that was untouched by humanity for a long time.
It caused feelings of wonder and curiosity,
I don't remember the last time I felt like this,
it was thrilling.
Looking out the window as I was walking past it, I realized that the sun had finally set.
The trees outside were only a mere silhouette now as the sky turned darker,
creating a rather eerie and desolating atmosphere outside.
I stood for a moment and watched my reflection casted on the window, the background light from the candles flickered occasionally.
The strong wind clashed against the windows shaking the panels as if looking for a way in and whispering loudly into the night,
yet the walls held sturdy,
they looked indestructible like they had withstood so many storms,
had sheltered so many and they would continue to do so for another eternity.
I felt the safest I had felt in my life,
I was and will be protected completely within these walls from any danger lurking outside I was sure of that which seemed almost unnerving and uncanny,
my own thoughts were strange to me.
"I guess I can sleep well tonight"
I was satisfied with everything I had accomplished today,
that thought alone put a smile on my face and created a warm feeling in my chest.
After a long faze of constant mental fatigue and unproductiveness it felt nice to finally be enthusiastic about something.
I pet myself on the back and chuckled,
"good job"
I nodded to my reflection before I stepped into the kitchen.
"I hope there is anything to eat"
I yawned, my stomach acids had probably managed to melt my insides by now,
but I was used it and at this point,
I didn't really feel the discomfort as much as I probably should have.
Opening the fridge,
I sighed disappointed "empty" of course it would be there was no electricity.
I grabbed a cup and filled it with water before gulping it down hurriedly,
I didn't realize how thirsty I was until then.
I placed the cup down on the dining table as I dragged my feet along the floor reaching for the cabinets as I rubbed my eyes tiredly.
"Yes!"
there were a few cans of chicken soup displayed in front of me, this seemed like the nicest meal I would have in a while.
Quickly I peeled the lid open and,
in the process, managed to knock the cup to the ground and smashing it into a thousand pieces.
"Argh!"
I groaned
"I'll deal with this tomorrow"
I decided and grabbing the can of soup with a spoon headed for my new bedroom.
So far,
I had found and explored 6 bedrooms and that was only on the bottom floor
"I swear this place is like a maze"
I noted thoughtfully as I shoved a spoonful of soup in my mouth.
It was a maze,
seemingly smaller and simple from outside and incomprehensibly complex and vast on the inside.
The interior structure was very intricate, and it was even visible from the artistry carved on the tall walls and long railings.
The furniture on the other hand seemed…. odd upon closer inspection.
For example,
the curtains seemed very outdated considering today's fashion,
but the sofa was very modernesque,
a very peculiar shade of orangey pink as well,
it stood out very much.
"Perhaps this is trendy these days" I tapped my chin, deep in thought.
Nevertheless,
I was happy,
and I was immediately overwhelmed with the feeling of gratefulness as tears formed in my eyes and I quickly blinked them away.
There was no point in crying
"I should really thank Mr. Allen properly next time I meet him"
I nodded to myself making a mental note.
Dropping the spoon in the now empty can of soup I placed it on the bedside table and tugged my feet under the covers, getting more comfortable.
I turned the bedside lamp off as I yawned one last time and closed my eyes, welcomed by the darkness.