To everyone but her, that house is a paradise.

They see a place that covers each who enters in a blanket of love.

They see a building used to host birthday parties and hangouts during the Super Bowl, or a place to gather during the holidays.

She always wondered how one house could have two completely different descriptions.

Like she was living elsewhere, but that house remained. The memories of hiding, being fearful of the unknown.

The day she passed that old house and saw a “for sale” sign on the front yard, she thought of what it’s future could be.

For the next family, it won’t be a prison. It won’t be somewhere that is avoided or dreaded. It will hopefully be contained with laughter. With safety.

The children living inside won’t be consumed with the constant thoughts of wondering what it could have been like. They’ll see what it’s supposed to be like.