CHAPTER 17: THE OPEN HOUSE
I decided to sell the lake house.
Not because I didn't love it. But because I needed a fresh start. The house held too many memories—some good, but mostly bad. Every time I walked through the living room, I saw the demolition. Every time I sat on the porch, I heard my mother's voice. It was time to move on.
I listed the house with a local real estate agent. The first open house was on a Saturday in October. I watched from across the street as potential buyers walked through the house, admiring the new floors, the updated kitchen, the beautiful views of the lake. They didn't know what had happened here. They only saw the finished product.
A young couple with two kids walked out of the house, smiling.
"We love it," the wife said. "We want to put in an offer."
I smiled. "I'm so glad."
"Will you miss it?" she asked.
"Yes," I said. "But I know it's time for someone else to enjoy it."
They bought the house. The closing was quick and easy. I signed the papers and handed over the keys.
May you like
I walked out of the house for the last time. I didn't look back.
Because I had already said goodbye. And I was ready for what came next.
