Aunt Mattie’s house was actually more like a cottage. When Brady walked in through the front door, he was surprised at how tiny it was, given that Aunt Mattie was quite tall. Her head practically brushed the ceiling in the small entryway, and the only light on this dark evening came from a small lamp on a very small table where he saw a set of keys and what must have been his aunt’s purse, also little more than a wallet with a strap. The entry way had two doors, and Aunt Mattie had walked through the one on the left which Brady assumed was the kitchen judging by the wonderful aromas that filled the house. The kitchen was also small, but big enough for a large, ancient looking range, small refrigerator and a well worn table on one side under a large window and across from the sink that also had a window above it. There were just two chairs at the table which was already set for dinner. It wasn’t until after dinner that Aunt Mattie showed him the cost living room across the hall from the kitchen that was dominated by a large stone fireplace with two comfortable overstuffed chairs facing it with another small table between the chairs with a bright lamp on it and a stack of books. It was obvious that Aunt Mattie spent a lot of time in this room reading; there were sever floor to ceiling bookcases lines up along one wall and filled with books. On the facing wall there were several more large windows. Brady realized that in sunny days, the gloom of this small place would be chased away by the sun coming in from all the windows, and that surprised him. Mattie then led him up the creaky staircase to the second floor. She pointed to a door at the end of the hall and told him that was her bedroom and that he was only allowed in that room when she invited him in. The she opened a door on the right and pointed out the bathroom which was surprisingly large and obviously added more recently, taking over what must have once been another bedroom. His room across the hall and when she opened the door he was met with a lovely, warm room with an old brass bed made up with several coverlets and a quilt. There was no closet, but an armoire stood against one wall with a desk and chair next to it. On the other wall were more of those windows and Brady was getting very curious to see what all those windows looked out upon. Under the window was another comfy chair and a small table and lamp. Tucked away in one corner was a small gas fireplace that was lit and giving out just the right amount of heat so his room was warm but not too hot. All in all, the house was inviting and warm and given Aunt Mattie’s brusk welcome, didn’t seem to reflect her real self, but then he knew nothing about her and time would tell.