Gilda Macy had enjoyed Halloween. So far. Various giggling groups of ghosties and witches had called, and she'd done her bit - thrown up her hands and pretended to be surprised when she opened the door, winked at hovering parents as she distributed sweets, smiled and waved as the happy little troupes went off to call on other neighbours.
She closed the door after the last lot of excited children had gone, cleared away the dishes from her evening meal and thought about what old Mrs Browne next door had told her this morning.
"The little ones are lovely. It's those others." She'd looked worried. "Teenagers. From the estate, I guess. They really put the wind up me last year. Wouldn't go until I gave them money. I was frightened they'd put a brick through the window or something if I didn't."
"You should have called the police," Gilda said.
"I don't like causing trouble," said Mrs Browne. "This year I'll go to bed early, pretend I'm not in."
"I'll keep an eye out," said Gilda. She laid her palm comfortingly on Mrs Browne's age-spotted hand. "You enjoy your evening and don't worry about daft teenagers throwing their weight about. I can deal with them."
Mrs Browne looked relieved. "I'm so glad you're my neighbour now," she said. "I hardly saw the young couple who were here before as they led such busy lives. And the house was empty for such a long time after they flitted I was beginning to think nobody wanted to live there."
Gilda laughed. "It must have been waiting for me to show up. I didn't hesitate to make an offer because this house is just what I wanted. Good big garden, space for friends when they visit, lovely village with lots going, in easy reach of town. Ideal for me when I took early retirement."
"Ideal for me too, now you're here," Mrs Browne said happily..
Denne historien er fra October 25, 2022-utgaven av My Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra October 25, 2022-utgaven av My Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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I Can't Wait To Play The Queen Mum
Gracing screens, treading boards, royal roles much-loved actress Dame Penelope Wilton has done it all!
TAKING CANCER TO THE CATWALK X
Teacher Mary Jones reflects on the extraordinary way her breast cancer diagnosis challenged her view on womanhood and ultimately led her to a London catwalk
Fighting For All Women
Diagnosed with breast cancer aged 36, Jessica Parsons is raising awareness of the disease in younger women
The Fall Guy
Surely Caitlin’s boyfriend had nothing to do with all the drama going on at the jeweller’s...
The Widow At Number Ten
There were many secrets to unpack in this old house
Old Habits Die Hard
Even for our lively suburb, gunshots were pretty unusual and was curious to find out what was going on
A Wedding To Remember
Surely nothing would spoil this special day.
Distinctly Feline Flavour
Desperation forces Chris to add something unusual to his cup of tea!
The Old Burgundy Book
Within its ageing pages Rosie found a story of fading romance and a fresh chance for love to bloom...
The Haunted Ballroom
Mysteries swirled around this magical place...