“I get the point,” Harry said. “Continue. Where exactly do you sense this presence?”
“Now that I think about it, it seems to be strongest when I’m closest to the house. At first, I thought it was confined to the house and the immediate surroundings, as if the house was its base and it might not be as strong outside of that area. But then, it seems to have started following me.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“I’m not entirely sure if it’s stalking – or protecting – me, but… it doesn’t feel very friendly.”
“Have you considered cancelling the purchase, or reselling, and relocating… perhaps to an apartment building where there are other tennants? It might give you a better sense of security and safety. Whereas, here in the cottage you’re alone and that makes you more vulnerable… an easier target.”
“I don’t plan on moving anytime soon. I bought this place because I wanted to be alone.”
Harry’s eyes widened. “You’re a brave young woman, to take on a mortgage by yourself. Don’t you find it difficult on a part time salary?”
She laughed. “I have four sisters and one brother. Our parents won a lottery when we were very young. They used a good part of it to set up trust funds for each of us. As we reached the age of twenty-one, each of us was given full control of our share to pursue our future plans. The other four used their funds for further education and business opportunities.” She paused and shook her head. “I was the odd one. I bought a small second-hand car and literally worked my way across the country and back, working at whatever I could find in each place I stopped. That was an education in itself.”
“Sounds like quite an adventure too,” Harry said. “And you did it all alone?”
“My sister Violet joined me for several weeks, but she wasn’t content without her huge closet and high fashion clothing. She later bought part ownership of a successful boutique. I lean more towards a minimalistic lifestyle… except for my craft supplies.”
“Craft supplies?”
She nodded. “That keeps me busy and also brings in enough to purchase more supplies. I sell various crafts and jewellery online, as well as at various fairs and market events.”
“I get it,” Harry said. “That’s why your trek across the country was educational.”
“Wherever I stopped, I checked out all the local events where such things were sold. I purchased a few items that inspired me but, mostly, I just looked. I also kept a journal of what I saw and learned, plus any ideas that came to me.”
“And you used your trust fund for a house… is there anything else you can tell me about this ghost?”
“Well, there was one in my former place of residence too. I never actually saw it but I could sense it there in the apartment… and sometimes outside. I moved to get rid of it because it made me feel uneasy. Sometimes I wonder if it followed me.”
