Beyond the Wall

Upon entering the faded bronze colored gates, the large dreary house comes into view. It is surrounded by thick trees and tall weeds that cover the lawn. The white paint on the outer wall is cracked and stripped, as if clawed at by a ferocious animal. There is a wind chime hanging by the door. It’s dangling chimes are silenced by the rust that binds them.

The door knob loosely jiggles as it is turned. With a firm push, the door frees from it’s tight seal. The furniture inside sits unmoved, covered in a thick layer of dust and swaying cobwebs. To the right, there is a staircase leading to the second floor. It’s stairs are weak and unstable. Walking through the foyer, there are portraits hanging on the wall, reminiscent of a time long ago. The only sound to be heard is of the creaking floor below.

Towards the rear, a light breeze can be felt drifting through one of the broken windows. Seeking the fresh air, a path is made to the double doors that lead to the outside. At first, it appears that there is no escape from the dreariness of the house. The doors are glued to the frame and even as they are pulled, they remain fixed in position. With determination and another forceful pull, one final attempt is made. The door flies open and what it reveals is stunning to the eyes.

Resting along the wall are several tall rose bushes, in a variety of magnificent colors. Bright yellow tulips and pink lilies line the edges of the lawn. Lush green grass flows through the yard and travels down to the sand lining the shore. The air is filled with the smell of the ocean, and the waves can be heard as they ripple and crash onto the rocks below. Nestled under the long branches of a tree on the edge of the sand, sits a bench that overlooks the crystal waters. Off to the left is a long pier, where a boat floats in place waiting for it’s next adventure. Gazing ahead, the view continues on for miles to where the water meets the sky.

A few small clouds scatter across the horizon, as the sun begins to set in the distance. Only the sound of the ocean can be heard, as darkness begins to fall. Looking above, millions of stars cover the sky, stretching as far as the eye can see. A shooting star passes through the night sky and a wish is made. Turning to look at the house once more, reveals that the dreariness has departed and only it’s beauty remains.