by Leela Ash
Cindy sipped her tea, relishing in the cinnamon and comforting sweetness of the flavors. “Ugh, I’ve had enough of glamor,” she said. “Though I think you should visit the city sometime. You would love it there. It’s a wonderful place to visit.”
“’But you wouldn’t want to live there?” Nan laughed.
“Goes without saying,” Cindy replied.
“Maybe so,” Nan said. “Besides, I think I have enough to contend with here in the ‘City of Burning Falls’.”
The crinkles around her grandmother’s eyes somehow made them appear greener than usual. The only other indicator of her grandmother’s age was the silvery streaks through her long hair. Otherwise, Cindy thought she exuded a vibrant and youthful energy. “And a thriving city it is,” Cindy said with a smirk.
“Perhaps, one day, I’ll visit New York,” Nan mused, peering out the window. “After an inevitable windfall.”
“I could show you around,” Cindy mused. “You know what, Nan? I wonder if I could get settled in and unpack? I’d like to get the road dust off me, if that’s okay? Which is my room?”
“Yes, of course! Let me show you where I’ve got you staying.”
As they made their way through the living room, Cindy heard the clump sound of the mail being dropped into the box outside the door. Nan pulled open the door, waving and greeting the mailman already halfway down the path. His postal truck idled on the side of the road.
Nan filtered through the small stack of envelopes. “Bill, bill, junk mail… Oh, what’s this?” She placed the rest on the side table and tore open the small white envelope. Her face went pale. “Oh, those rat bastards!”
“What is it, Nan?” Cindy said with alarm at her grandmother’s rare outburst. “Is everything okay?”
Nan collapsed into the chair closest to her, handing the pages over to Cindy, who read the words with a sense of dread.
Dear Mrs. Sadie Carson,
This has been our third attempt at contacting you on behalf of Stapleton, Stapleton and Howe Real Estate Company. The land parcel upon which you currently reside had been earmarked as a portion of property containing a good percentage of Berinium, a highly sought-after metal which contains a number of beneficial properties. As such, our client has been trying to reach out to you regarding acquisition of your property.
My client is prepared to offer you a sizeable sum in exchange for this parcel. Please contact our offices at the number below to set up a scheduled time to meet at your earliest convenience, so we may move forward with our communications. My office will await your response.
Sincerely,
Bertram Howe, Esq.
Stapleton, Stapleton, and Howe
Cindy turned the paper over, trying to figure out Nan’s reaction. “Well, Nan,” she said. “This is great though. Isn’t it? This could be your windfall, Nan. I mean, ‘a sizeable sum’? What could be bad about that?”
“This is my home,” Nan said. “I am not selling anything! I don’t care what the others are doing?”
Cindy took a seat at the edge of the couch across from her grandmother. “The others?”
Nan rubbed her hands through her long silver hair, pausing her fingers at the ivory combs. “There have been people in Burning Falls.”
A strange foreboding rose in Cindy’s chest. “What kind of people?”
“Outsiders,” Nan replied. “Asking questions and being a general nuisance. City folk. You know the type.”
“Only too well. But what kind of questions, Nan?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Real Estate stuff. I’m not sure I comprehend any of it though.”
“I don’t understand the problem with that. Our town has a fascinating history. I’m surprised more people don’t look into it. I mean, it would help the economy, maybe bring in some tourist revenue.”
“Cindy, they’ve been buying up land. They bought the old Reaver’s place on the other side of the railroad. I don’t know what they intend on doing with it. Many of the town folk are opting to sell. Others say we need to link arms and stay put.”
“And you are part of them? The ones who want to link arms and stay put?”
“Of course, I am. I guess it isn’t all bad. A lot of people are looking for the payout, but I don’t have a good feeling about it. Burning Falls is my home. I don’t want it overrun by outsiders.”
“Nan,” Cindy whispered. “You know, some would consider me an outsider too.”
“Hogwash. You grew up in this town. This is your home too. You belong here just as much as I do. Don’t let anyone tell you different! Burning Falls is in your blood.”
Cindy laughed, shaking her head. “I suppose you are right. I’ll never be rid of this place. Will I?”
“That’s right,” Nan said with a firm nod. “That applies to both of us.”
“Have you spoken to these people yet? Given them any kind of answer?”
“No, I haven’t. I haven’t wanted to deal with any of it.”
“Tell you what, Nan. Now that I’m here, I can help with this stuff. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go down to this place and tell them, under no uncertain terms, we are just not interested in their offer. That should get them to leave you alone. How does that sound?”
“Look at me. I’m already trouble for you.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Cindy said. “Just like you said, Burning Falls is my home too, and I’ve never been one to shrink from a challenge. Now, I’m going to get settled into my room. And did I hear you say something about soup?”
Nan laughed. “Oh, Cindy, it’s so good to have you here.”
Cindy returned her smile. “It’s good to be here, Nan.”
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