The Gift

Letter to a Friend

Dear Grace,

After speaking with you the other day, I had a sense that you were searching for a direction. It was obvious that the recent events in your life have been discouraging and you are feeling overwhelmed. At times like these, even the comforting words of others may fail to break through the pain. Having spent time myself where you are right now, I felt I needed to share with you the story of my first night at Galin House. I wrote this story during the early morning hours of the next day, so I would never forget what I felt and how it changed my life. Of course, I have taken artistic liberties to make the story interesting, but the facts, the feelings, the sensations and the events are real. 

The branch of the ancient maple scratched against the side of the house, as the wind persisted. The last of the maple leaves had weeks before fallen to the ground and now tumbled about in the gusting currents of air sounding like rain as they hit against the windows. The wind added to the uncomfortable eeriness that seemed to chill the air and give evil dimension to every creek and groan of the old house. I shivered under the covers and pulled them close around me.