The silence scared me the most. Because who was there to pull me back from the edge of sanity when my demons called to me? What would I hear when the monsters of my mind scratched at the door, demanding entrance?

Something people never told you? Loneliness was heavy. It weighed on your shoulders, a burden to carry. Because now you had to contain everything you needed to survive within yourself, instead of spreading the weight amongst people. Sometimes it was enough to topple you over, destabilizing the ground you once thought was solid. And if you didn’t have a solid support to begin with, well…you were screwed.

But luckily...I had Brynn. We had met in grade school, having each other’s backs every step of the way. When my dad died, she pulled me up and pieced me back together, and was my cheerleader every step of this journey. I wouldn’t be here without her. Here, where my dreams were coming true. A house of my own. My shop. As I pulled into the semicircular driveway, it was like Brynn knew from halfway around the world. I hopped out of the truck and pulled my vibrating phone out of my pocket. My signal was weak at best, flickering between one bar and nothing as I watched, but I had already mentally prepared for the possibility.

Brynn: Happy moving day! I can’t wait to see this monster you’ve spent Great Uncle Alfred’s life savings on. Xoxoxox
Brynn: You know, Granny used to tell me wild stories about some of the houses in that town. I’ll have to bring her out over Christmas break.

I grinned, looking up at my new home in all its glory. Surely Granny couldn’t have wild stories about my house. It was too damn perfect. Somehow, it was even more spectacular in the sunny glow. I could see its full potential now, painted creamy white, with deep-red roses climbing trellises around the large porch. Movement from an upstairs window caught my eye, a shifting of one of the heavy curtains. My breath caught in my throat as I watched, expecting to see it move again. But the fabric stayed still, taunting me. For a minute, I considered the haunted rumors held some truth.

Although it was early, I was exhausted. I quickly sent a text back to Brynn, knowing it was getting late in Korea and she was probably waiting for me to respond before she went to bed. I could picture her clearly, dressed in her old university shirt with the holes in it, her vibrant red hair pulled up on top of her head.

Savannah: Just got here now. I can’t believe I get to call this house MINE. Pinch me.

Brynn: No can do, kiddo. You deserve every moment of happiness.
Savannah: Awwww. You’re obviously sleep deprived. Get to bed.
Brynn: Will do. Just calling Granny first.
Savannah: Give her my love!