Janet's Old Place

I told myself countless of times that I'll never come back here but here we are. Got no choice. It's something I have to do.

Still can't believe they are releasing my good-for-nothing mother. After everything she has put me through, I should have been the one to hold the key until my last dying breath.

I walked unto the patio and before I know it, I knocked on the door. This was the place. The place where my mother torture me. Either being physical, emotional, spiritual, mentally, what ever which way you place it, she abused me at this house.

You are probably asking why I'm returning to the source of my trauma? It's because I left something precious to me in the confinements of my old home. I was taken away once the state found out that my mother neglected me. So much so that I literally forgotten what was left behind until I had the epiphany.

Trauma can do a number on you and there's clearly one person I have to blame for it. Well, her and another one but I'm not going deep in that rabbit hole. I have to focus on my objective. In this house, hids a secret stash of mine for safe keeps. A time capsule per day but something I used on a daily basis when I was younger before I was under the state's care and before my grandmother took custody of me as my rightful guardian.

Anywho, it didn't take long for the owner of my old house answered. She was a sweet old lady. Had to be the same age of my won grandmother. I'm sure if my grandma was right here right now, the two of you would be quick best friends.

However my grandmother isn't here. She doesn't even know I'm here to begin with. I know once she find out she's going to flip and lent me a earful for not waiting on her so we could go together. I was thinking of that at first place but somewhere deep inside me, I figured I should do it on my own. I'm in my 30's. I should take care of myself.

The sweet old lady politely asked: "Hello, my dear, is everything ok?"

I shook my head, realizing I was caught in a trance. I then responded to her: "Yes, sorry, madam. I was in deep thinking."

"It's no worries," she warmly replies. "I had to make sure, especially considering you are on my property. Now, what brings a sweet young lady like you here? I'm Judith by the way."

"Much obligated, Judith. The name is Janet and I'm here to collect an item that I left behind. You see, I was taken by the state considering my birth mother abused me and I have been through the ringer as you can imagine. It wasn't until yesterday that I realized I left something valuable to me within the confinements of your house that once was mine. I hope I am making sense and don't sound crazy."

"None whatsoever. I am so sorry that all of that happened to you. No one deserves what kind of treatment, especially from a loved one. That honestly just break my heart to hear it. Please, come in my dear and I'll make us some of tea."

"Thanks Judith. You're an angel."

"Don't thank me yet until you are on your way, Janet."

She opens the door for me, and I walked into the foyer without a second thought. I looked around and see that somethings aren't changed minus the furniture, decor and atmosphere. It's actually quite nice to see and it made me feel like I was in the Twilight Zone. Something of a different reality.

Sweet Judith guided me to the living space and ask me to sit while she gathers up making the tea. I unreluctary sat on the closest seat which was by the window: the love couch. I watch as Judith walks away, proceeding into her dining and kitchen.

As I sat down, I waited patiently for her return all the meantime observing everything. It was a comfy home as with any elderly person would need. I can see countless of photos with a bunch of family and judging from what I saw, Judith was loved by many, including her own children and grandbabies.

I don't remember how long it has been until I heard the teapot screeching.

"Would you like some sugar with your tea, Janet?" asked Judith from the kitchen.

"Yes, please," I proclaimed. "Two teaspoons is good enough for me."

"Splendid cause I take the same amount."

I couldn't help but smile there. We were already two peas in a pod. I'm sure my grandma would love Judith if only I told her I went here after hearing that my mother got out.

Shorty after, Judith comes in with a carrying tray holding two freshly hot tea cups on small delicate plates. She proceeded to place the whole tray down and hands me my cup.

"Thank you, Judith."

"What did I say about thanking me later, dear?"

"Point taken. Sorry; it's a force of habit."

"As with everything that goes on in this world."

She finally takes a seat across of me and we enjoyed a cup of tea with some silence to langer. By which, usually gives me insane if I'm being quite frank. I don't like it when it's too quiet. But right at this moment with Judith, it's quite alright. I feel t ease.

"Now," Judith starts off. "If you don't mind me asking, do you know where this item is located in the house?"

I nodded before responding: "Yes, I do. Since yesterday actually. After all the trauma I have endured, apparently my brain shut it off until recently. Especially with my mother getting out..."

"What are Earth would they do that now?"

"You're asking the right question, Judith. I was literally thinking the same thing."

"The world is a screw up place."

"I know right."

"Well, in any case, you are free to roam around the house in order to find what you are looking for. I feel like I can trust you, especially considering I can sense the good in you."

"You're a good judge of character, Judith."

"The same can be said with you, Janet. Now, if you excuse me, I'll go clean up and watch my food network."

"Sounds like a plan. Please let me know if you need."

"I will darling. You know I will do the same."

With quick fashion, even for a sweet old lady, Judith grabbed our tea cups and carrying tray, leaving me alone on the love couch. I took a minute to gather my bearings. This was still a lot on me to come back here.

"Come on, Janet," I said to myself, calming down after a couple of deep breaths. "You're are only halfway there."

After giving myself more breathing exercises, I got up off that comfortable couch and finally voyage upstairs where my bedroom was at. The same place where I last left my secret stash.