The exterior walls are a combination of textured brick and freshly painted wood siding. The brickwork tells tales of time passed, while the crisp white paint on the wood siding gives the house a rejuvenated feel. Window boxes filled with vibrant flowers hang beneath the windows, adding a burst of color and life to the facade.
Marie glances around the front porch which is adorned with a swing and a couple of rocking chairs. A wooden railing encircles the porch, adorned with decorative carvings that showcase intricate patterns. Hanging flower baskets dangle from hooks above the door. She takes a deep breath and steps in side. The bag Marie is holding drops from her hand as she takes in what is her new home.
the interior is a balance between classic elegance and modern convenience. The foyer boasts a polished hardwood floor, its warm tones contrasting beautifully with the light-colored walls. An ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the space. Marie moves through the foyer running her hands over the walls as she goes. She enters the living room to the right of the foyer and finds a cozy and inviting room. A fireplace with an intricately designed mantle serves as the centerpiece, flanked by bookshelves filled with books and sat on the top of the mantle in pride of place is a beautiful framed picture of her mum. Marie rushes over to the picture and holds it to her heart, tears rolling down her face. Keeping hold of the picture Marie explores further all under the watchful eyes of the Doctor.
The kitchen, just beyond the living room, is a blend of rustic charm and contemporary functionality. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances harmonize with wooden cabinets and a farmhouse-style sink. A large window over the sink overlooks the backyard, allowing natural light to flood the space. From the window Marie can see that the garden is not a garden but rather a private oasis in the midst of town life. A well-maintained garden features a variety of flowers, shrubs, and a winding stone path. A wooden deck with outdoor furniture sits at the far end of the garden covered by a wooden pergoda which is covered in small white flowers. Marie sits down at the breakfast bar and stares at the picture in her hands.
"You father has done well, This house is beautiful"
"It is, so very beautiful i just wish i did not have to leave to finally get my fathers love" Marie said through tears.
"Oh Marie, I know this must be hard for you, I have known your father for many years, He is not a cruel man, but i will not stand here and defend his actions against you"
Marie looked up with a smile on her face " Well.....Oh i am so sorry Doctor, I do not know your name" Marie looked away embarrassed
"My name is Michael"
"Well then Michael shall we go and explore the upstairs of this house and then you must be heading back before it gets too late"
Michael smiles and held out his arm signaling for Marie to lead the way.
Ascending the staircase with its wooden banister, Marie found the master bedroom. The room was spacious and serene, with a four-poster bed and a sitting area by the window. Soft, flowing curtains frame the view outside, adding a touch of elegance to the room. An ensuite bathroom finished the master bedroom.
There was one other room upstairs which had been set up as an office and on the desk lay university brochures. Marie picked them up and flicked through them before placing them back down onto the desk and walking out the room closing the door behind her.
Marie headed back down stairs and headed straight into the kitchen looking through the fridge and pulled out some bread, ham cheese and mustard and set about making some sandwiches.
"Will you be ok staying on her your own here tonight" Michael asked
"I have been staying on my own for a lot longer than this one night, I think i will be okay" A Warm smile spread across her face.
Marie slid a plate with a sandwich on across the counter to Michael and then took a seat opposite him before taking a big bite of her food.
"Thank you" Michael mumbled through a mouth full of food. The pair continued to eat in silence.
Michael stood up and took his plate to the sink and washed it before placing it on the draining board.
"I will get going now Marie, I have a long drive pack to the pack, but i will return in 1 week to carry out further checks, However here is my number and email address should you need anything sooner please get in touch"
Marie took the card from Michael and thanked him as she followed him to the front door. They said further goodbyes and Marie locked the door once Michael had left.
As the moon cast its silvery glow through the windows, illuminating the interior of the cozy home, Marie couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. After spending countless nights under the full moon's transformative power as a werewolf, tonight was different. Tonight was her first night on her own as a human, in her very own home. The wooden floors felt warm beneath her feet as she walked through the living room, absorbing the serene ambiance. The fireplace crackled softly, its dancing flames casting playful shadows on the walls.
As she made her way upstairs to her bedroom, Marie felt a sense of vulnerability she hadn't experienced in quite some time. The bed, draped in soft linens and adorned with a multitude of pillows, seemed almost too inviting. She slipped beneath the covers, the sensation of the fabric against her skin grounding her in this new reality.
Outside, the night was alive with the sounds of crickets and distant whispers of wind rustling through the trees. Marie stared out the window, marveling at the stars that now had her undivided attention.
Lying there, in the quiet of her own space, Marie reflected on all that had happened in the last 48 hours. Marie no longer felt any pain from the rejection and the pain from the new black marks on her side was also beginning to fade. Marie closed her eyes and decided she would not let this beat her. This first night symbolized a new chapter in her life.
As sleep gently beckoned, Marie felt a sense of peace wash over her. The house, with its warm embrace, seemed to envelop her in a sense of belonging. And as she closed her eyes, she knew that while the moon's pull may have waned, her connection to the natural world and her own strength remained steadfast.