When Fiona, Derek, and their son, Ethan, inherit a house in a new state, they jump at the chance to start fresh. But during their renovations, they discover an old safe in the basement. It’s not until Ethan discovers the key to the safe that their lives change forever…
Growing up, we were never the rich type. My family was pretty average, with the usual things people seem to juggle: credit card bills, loans, and a heavy reliance on paychecks to make ends meet.
So when I got a random call one day saying we’d inherited a house in another state, it felt like something out of a movie.
The house belonged to my grandfather’s brother, a man we were never particularly close to. But he had passed away, and to our surprise, he left us his house in his will.
“We’ve been waiting for a fresh start, Fiona,” my husband, Derek, said. “I think we should take matters into our own hands and start a new chapter. Ethan is starting high school, so it’s a great time to change schools anyway.”
“I agree,” I said, already thinking about looking for a new job that wouldn’t leave me so stressed. I needed to find some joy again. All I’d done recently was work to make ends meet.
Derek was doing the same thing.
We were tired.
But this new house might be just what we needed. It wasn’t anything fancy. It was a lovely old property that had seen better days, but it was spacious and nestled in a quiet neighborhood.
The idea of a fresh start, without rent or mortgage hanging over our heads, was too good to pass up. So we packed our bags, drove across state lines, and moved in.
“I’m excited, Mom,” Ethan said. “I think I needed a change of scenery, too. I didn’t really want to go to high school with the same people I’d known since I was five.”
When we arrived, the house was exactly as expected. Old, creaky, and charming, but clearly in need of some love.
“We’re making this a home, Fiona,” Derek said, already talking about the new flooring.
A few weeks later, Derek was already planning to replace some of the floorboards, and I was determined to breathe new life into the dusty old kitchen.
This was going to be an adventure. Derek’s parents had given us some money before we left, and we’d decided to put everything into the house.
But the real adventure began when we stumbled upon something unexpected.
Inside the safe was a large red velvet bag. My hands shook as I opened it, unprepared for what I would find.
We were in the basement on a Saturday afternoon, cleaning out cobwebs and old furniture.
“Mom, can the basement be turned into a cave for me?” Ethan asked with a smile. “You know, so I can play in here, do my homework, and even study. When I make friends at school, they can hang out in here too.”
“That’s between you and your dad, honey,” I laughed.
I had already claimed the extra room downstairs for myself, ready to turn it into a library and meditation room.
“You can have it, son,” Derek said. “But if there’s a football game, I’ll be there. Okay?” »
“Okay!” Ethan said as he moved, removing the dusty sheets from a large couch.