1 of 36

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 5

care of me out of love, not out of a desire for money. Henry has never been a very loving son, but he does check on me daily. Harriet, on the other hand, has always been very cold and distant. I just never would have thought she wanted to hurt me."

"So why you do suspect her now?"

"From the first time she laid eyes on my dollhouse, she has wanted it. I've always let her toy around with it as much as she wants. Still, according to Henry, she wants it NOW. He says that he's told her it's staying put - at least until I pass away. Besides me, Harriet is the only person who ever touches the dollhouse, unless I ask Henry to repair something."

"What about Jim?"

Nana shook her head, "I just can't believe he would do anything so horrible. I've known him for over thirty years. Besides, he has nothing to gain from it."

"Yes, but some people assume they're more important than they really are," Henry's voice interrupted.

Nana and I both jumped in surprise. Henry, Harriet, and Jim had walked in, and Henry was looking right at me. He picked up the skateboard and began playing with the wheels. "Bo, I think you're confused as to who Nana Rose's real son is. You skater guys are always up to no good. Besides, as a skater, you're nothing compared to how good I used to be." I looked at Nana just in time to see a confused look fading from her face.

We stood awkwardly in the hallway until Jim said, "Ma'am, I'm so sorry. I've messed up your pretty rug." He walked carefully outside, trying to keep any more mud from falling off his shoes. Henry mumbled something about getting a broom. He and Nana went into the kitchen, leaving me alone with Harriet, who was looking at the dollhouse.

"So," I said casually, "You like dollhouses?"

"Huh? Oh....yes," Harriet said.

"Have you ever had a dollhouse that was actually YOURS?" I tried to keep the sarcasm out of my voice, but the thought of her treating Nana Rose so badly did not exactly make me feel like sending her a Valentine's Day card.

She breathed out what seemed to be a irritated sigh, but then said, a little sadly, "No, I've never had one. I've never had a father either. I was raised in an orphanage."

Suddenly, I felt sad for her, but then I remembered that she might actually be a psycho. "Do you like it enough to hurt Nana?"

"What? No, of course not. I would never hurt her," Harriet looked surprised and confused.

"Well, don't you want that dollhouse really badly?"

"Who wouldn't? According to Henry, though, she hates me, and only allows me to touch

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: The dollhouse mystery?
We want to hear your view. Write now!