“Money means nothing to me,” she spat. She rubbed her hands together. “You were warned, and now you’ll get what’s coming to you. You wanted to live in this house, you can live in it for the rest of your sad life.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” But the woman paid me no mind, chanting on my porch.

“From the grace of air, and strength of the ground. My desire knows no bounds. You are sealed to the roof you made. Never wilt, never fade. My power is given by the moon and touched by the day. Until you are free of sin, here you will stay.”

“You need to leave, now. I mean it.” Still she chanted, growing louder. In the front yard, amongst the blue and sunny skies, a bolt of lightning struck one of the trees. The tree cracked and peeled into two, reminding me of the sounds of bones.

“With fire I cast, with smoke it will stain. Let this curse not be in vain.” And then just as suddenly, she stopped, staring at me with eyes that were too clear. “You will forever share a lifeforce, each of you keeping the other alive.” She paused. “You won’t need sustenance. You’ll never grow. You won’t die of old age. But at least you’ll have your house, right?”

She cackled, and my blood ran cold. “What…what do you mean?” I stuttered. “You’re insane.” She shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m the sanest person you’ve ever met in your life.” She took a step off the porch, but at this point I was pissed. I took a step forward, my foot passing over the threshold.

A strong wind immediately blew me back, slamming me against the winding staircase railing I was so proud of.

I frowned, scrambling to my feet. Again I tried to follow the old woman out the door, and again I was thrown back. Again. And again.

The old woman laughed. “I told you, boy. You can’t leave. Of course, people can join you in your curse. But once they step inside, they too will be cursed to never leave. Don’t worry. I’ll make it so people don’t miss you. People in town won’t think it’s odd that there’s an abandoned house. Except for your wonderful fiancée of course. I’m sure she’ll want to see you.”

She waved and stepped onto the path. “You’ll be sorry you messed with me!”