Episode 3

We both looked back and saw a man dressed like a waiter. He must be DiDi, I guessed, as he told us to leave the place and never come near there again. Chika and I just walked away, leaving him behind. The house was quite dark, which I didn’t understand. We weren’t allowed to sing or shout loudly.

Soon, it was time for dinner, and I was expecting to see Grandma because we were told she was busy in her room. She was a herbalist who treated people with all kinds of sickness. Dinner was served by DiDi and some other servants. We all sat down, waiting for Grandma. The house was as quiet as a graveyard; not even a bird’s sound was heard. I couldn’t help but look at my food, which was right before my eyes, but I couldn’t eat because we were waiting for Grandma.

Soon, we started hearing a sound that sounded like footsteps. That must be Grandma, I thought, as everyone stood up. A dark, beautiful old lady with grey hair walked in. I was about to run to hug her when Mom gave me a sign, meaning I shouldn’t. I quickly behaved myself as she approached the dining table.

“You all can sit,” Grandma said with a beautiful voice, smiling at us. She sat down and ordered us all to start eating while she kept smiling and watching us eat. Soon, we were done, and we all walked to our different rooms. Chika and I were staying in the same room, which made me happy. Grandma’s house was weird – no television, no fun at all.

Chika and I couldn’t sleep; we kept talking about his experiences in France until 12 am. I saw he was sleepy, so I told him to have some rest while I got some water from the kitchen. He agreed, and I went to get some water. While going, I became scared because the house was creepy. I still don’t understand how my dad could stay in this house for years when he was little.

I couldn’t help but run to the kitchen. While running back, I saw something my eyes couldn’t believe – Grandma walking towards our room. I became very scared; what was she looking for, I thought, as I tiptoed, following her without making a sound? She went inside the room while I hid beside the door. Chika had covered himself with the duvet when I went to get water. Immediately.