AUTHOR, EVA BIELBY, ACCEPTED THE FLASH FICTION CHALLENGE AND SHARES WITH US HER STORY, 'THE LAKE HOUSE'

THE LAKE HOUSE

The sparkling beauty of the lake and the background of rolling hills provide a breath-taking vista. Even the sound of the water lapping at the shores of the lake is comforting and almost melodic. Owls hoot in nearby trees after dark, providing a different lullaby to that of the water. Daylight of course, brings the ever tuneful, dawn chorus. The trees whisper occasional symphonies as the weather dictates. Mosquitos skim the surface of the lake in the summertime, their wings beating out a rhythmic, high-pitched buzzing which adds to the music of Earth’s orchestra. The moon shines its stunning silvery glow across the lake which forms a natural, glowing spotlight. However, in lieu of the anticipated, euphonious duet, (the lapping of the water together with the lyrical screech of the owls), one will hear a choir of ghostly wails.

The old, dilapidated house which stands on the banks of the lake is in a severe state of disrepair. Its windows have long been smashed and invasive, green algae forms around the once sharp edges of the broken glass. The weathered boards of the wrap around veranda and those of pine that formed the flooring inside, are rotten and wet. The plastered ceilings inside the house have long since crumbled to the floor, leaving behind the rapidly decaying framework. Door hinges have corroded, some still hanging on to splintered pieces of rotten timber. In the kitchen, rusted pans and a corroded kettle sit inside the remains of the once, highly varnished cupboards. The tattered sodden fabric of sofas, cushions, clothes and bedding gives off a dank stench which is easily a match for the malodour of the putrescent structure.

Those few that have tried to gain access to the lonely, forbidding property have swiftly changed their minds at the last minute. As much a deterrent as the gaping holes in the putrid and sodden wood, is the overwhelming feeling; an incredible deep sorrow. The sadness hits immediately before the shrill banshee cries of the many ghosts that haunt the sad old dwelling. Over a thousand voices cry out in unison, their souls violated, their graves desecrated, their peace disturbed.

The tribal elders had given kindly warnings to the family who wanted to reside within the valley. Their warnings turned more threatening as they realised that the people were not to be deterred. They informed the family that for many years the valley was the graveyard of the brave, those who were slain in past battles and their sacred resting place should not be defiled. The two older members of the family had scoffed at the warnings and ridiculed their threats. As a final warning to them, the elders stressed that the gods would seek retribution should their cautionary advice be ignored. Again, the family showed little respect and paid no heed. The construction of the house went ahead regardless.

Three years later, nature delivered the retribution by way of torrential rains which lasted weeks and quickly flooded the valley to form a natural lake of intense beauty. The dwelling was swallowed up by the copious volume of water and since the storm, has stood immersed, eighty feet deep. The couple and their offspring all perished. The karma of the gods had come to claim them. Their souls were instantly banished from the aquatic cemetery.

The lake’s underwater house appears on the bank side only seven days in each year; those seven days representing the seven ancient ceremonies of the Cherokees. People who are unaware of the events, frequently come to visit the stunning lake and its spectacular surroundings. The visitors are immediately awestruck by its beauty but when they leave the area, many are forever haunted by the cries of the forgotten souls in the cavernous Hell-hole.

© Eva Bielby 2025

COMING SOON: On Wednesday, 4th June, our guest author is Becky Robbins, who will be sharing her children's book, 'A Forest Full of Green'.