The House of Vines

The+House+of+Vines

          The neighborhood of Chemtrail was very well known for its peculiar wide range of lawn management and its distinctive feature of design. In fact, the upscale homes attracted a multitude of admirers who appreciated the ‘’beauty’’ of each and individual houseThese very houses were what many came to know as the typical representation of a modern family accommodation. The aesthetics of these houses displayed how the wellbeing of a property on the outside also reflected the pristine and well-kept interior. In order to keep up with the standard landscapethe groundskeeper, known as the ‘’contrail’’, helped care and maintain yards to their utmost perfection.  

          After a couple of months, the neighborhood had officially found a habitation for every home and held a communitgathering for all residents to welcome them. All was lively and festive due to the anticipation of living in their new home and brought many to get to know one another. It was said that every year, the exclusive widely known magazine cover, Home Troy, would choose one house from the neighborhood of Chemtrail and showcase their distinctive home on the front cover of their magazine. At first it started off as a friendly competitionbut soon enough there was backlash coming from the residents themselves. The atmosphere in the neighborhood itself felt dense and unwelcoming as many local neighbors criticizeone another in order to perfect their own property.  

          Succeeding ten years of repeated history, the neighborhood of Chemtrail still remained as the perfect run-way home. However, there was a specific home that caught the attention of others and rumors spread like wildfire. It was said that for the very first time, there was a home in the neighborhood who didn’t keep up with the general necessities of home etiquette. The house stood out for its overgrowing lawn, bushes that peaked towards the sky, and vines that climbed at the exterior of the house. The neighbors without remorse laughed at the sudden view as for they have never witness quite a peculiar sight. To them, this house was only one less competition for those who seek to be on the front cover of Home Troy, while many others felt embarrassment for the resident living there. The new generation of children who grew up in the neighborhood of Chemtrail took after their parents and started to brag to one another about their homes and the new landscape that the ‘’Contrail’’ has maintained for their perfect yard. Although no one has met or found out the identity of the Contrail, it was said that they worked on the landscape of the residents while the adults were working, and the children were in school.

          Veda, a 10yearold child who lives in the neighborhood sought out to find the reason why many were repulsed and ill-mannered in regards to the house with vines. Despite rumors made up by the children that the old house was potentially haunted, Veda has had enough of the endless bickering of the residents. Veda slowly approached the greenery home and glanced towards their surroundings every few seconds and so. For a brief moment, Veda gathered all her courage and hurriedly knocked on the wooden door three times. There was no response as Veda waited at the peculiar house of vines. The lights seemed to be turned off inside the accommodation so Veda turned around and took a step forward on her way out of the tall grass.  

       ‘’Hello?’’ 

        Unsure of the sudden circumstance, Veda froze at the sudden low sound of a croaky voice coming from the doorstep. Veda took a deep breath, turned around, and was a greeted with the image of an old lady in a flowy dress with small embellishment of flowers on her gown.  

        “Hello ma’am. I just wanted to meet the resident of this home”, Veda replied hesitantly. The elderly woman stared at Veda for a while before giving an answer.  

        “I see. Thanks for visiting me despite being in this rainy weather. Please call me Ada, and would you like something to drink inside? 

         Veda accepted the kind gesture made by Ada and followed her inside her peculiar home. Ada’s house looked like a souvenir shop with various small trinkets on shelves and messy newspapers and books around the corners. Veda sat at a small table for two and enjoyed a sip of lemonade from her glass cup. Veda couldn’t help but become more curious of Ada and her unique home. Therefore, all of a sudden Veda began to overflow Ada with so many questions. Ada just looked back at Veda and began to chuckle. Ada told Veda that she was welcome to come back to her house anytime and that there was enough time in the future for them to get to know one another.  

          Veda took Ada up on her offer. After school, Veda always stopped by Ada’s house to listen to all her stories and adventures. They would cook together, read, played games, and rolled around in the tall grass in the yard. Five months has passed by ever since Veda met Ada and as usual, she passed by Ada’s house to spend some time with her. However, this time Veda found Ada sobbing in the kitchen table. Concerned, Veda offered Ada a hug as a source of consolation and waited until she spoke. Eventually, Ada wiped away her tears and apologized for her sudden action. Looking at Veda’s uneasy face, Ada began to tell Veda that it was time for her to know the story of her house.  

         “My husband’’…began Ada, ‘’Today marks the first-year anniversary ever since he passed away. Ever since the car accident, and after the funeral, I couldn’t put myself to get up in the mornings as I stayed indoors for various days. Eventually those days turned into months and just like the terrible physical state I was in, it also took a toll on my house. The exterior of the house represents who I was during those days of absence.’’ Ada began to sob again after blurting out her last sentence.  

           “Ada,” Veda replied. ‘’I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through and I’m glad that you’ve been so strong even after what has occurred. Though, I believe your house is beautiful, both interior and exterior. Yes, it stood out and that is what has brought me to you. Everything always reverts back to its ruins, right? Just like how before this house was built, nature was what made this property beautiful and I think that the combination of both results in all truthfulness. It’s okay if you feel that your house isn’t perfect but I’m glad you showed your feelings and yourself out to the world. Ada, to me your house was what brought me comfort but most of all I’m grateful to have met you. I learned a lot and have managed to live easily despite the dense and unwelcoming atmosphere of the neighborhood. I’m thankful and look forward to the days I will spend further on with you.’’ 

             That day, Veda left Ada to rest for a bit and decided to go visit her once again next week. After a few days, Ada welcomed Veda into her home again and the two began to catch up on what they have missed. Veda brought a watermelon and Ada offered to slice it up into pieces as Veda began to set up the table. Opening the curtains in order to let in some light from the sun, Veda and Ada sat at the kitchen table and began eating their watermelon.  

            “Oh, Veda which reminds me,” Ada began. ‘’You’ve always wanted to know the identity of the Contrail, right? Well, the Contrail who took care of the landscape of the neighbor’s yards was actually my husband. Although now that job belongs to another, my husband was the one whmaintained and helped create the individual aspects of the yards.’’