After a quick walk around the village Robin went to the village hall. Inside the hall, the atmosphere was warm, with wooden beams overhead and a large map of the village and surrounding area in the corner. A few villagers were chatting quietly, while others shuffled papers at the front desk. Max approached, noticing the nameplate that read "Ms. Sidney, Village Clerk"
Ms. Sidney, an elderly woman with kind eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, looked up from her work. "You must be Robin, Hannas son" she said, her voice carrying the soft lilt of the local accent.
"Yes, that's right," Robin replied, offering a polite smile. "I received your mail a few days ago but couldn't come earlier because I was busy with work."
" I understand city people are certainly busy, i heard the news about your mother, she was a lively girl . Everyone in the village liked her. We were deeply saddened when we heard about the news of her death. Never expected anyone so Young to leave the world so soon".
Robin didn't say anything. Mr Sidney continued ""I can't imagine how hard this is for you"
Robin replied" thanks for your concern madam. "
The elderly lady said " let not talk about heavy things, the reason we send you the mail because after that old man's death your mother inherited the house now that she is not with us you automatically inherited the house. We need to do some paperwork and you are good to go."
Robin replied" in the mail you said there are some problem with the house !"
" Nothing too serious, I hope," she reassured him, though her expression was tinged with concern. "During the last big storm, the house suffered some damage. The roof’s taken a hit, and there’s been some water damage inside. It’s an old house, after all. But it’s still standing, and with a bit of work, it’ll be as good as new. "
I know city folks don't want to live in countryside. If you don't want to repair it you can demolish it. Or even if you want to sell the house you can ask me anytime, I'll gladly help you".
Robin exhaled, trying to push away the rising anxiety. "I see. What do I need to do to get things started?"
Ms. Sidney handed him a few forms. "You’ll need to sign these to transfer ownership. And I’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of local carpenter who can help you. They’re trustworthy folk, and they know how to handle houses like yours."
"Thank you," Robin said, taking the papers. As he sat down at a nearby table to fill them out, he glanced at the old photos hanging on the walls of the village hall—pictures of harvest festivals, weddings, and people long gone. He could almost see his grandparents in those faded images, living a life so different from his own".
Once the paperwork was done, Ms. Sidney gave him a reassuring smile. "Welcome kid. I think you’ll find it’s a good place to call home, even if just for a while."
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Robin stepped out of the village hall, the cool and slaty air hitting his face. He looked down the road that would lead him to his grandparents' house, wondering what state he would find it in. But as he walk toward the house,.
he saw some old folks gathering under a big tree, playing cards and having a time of their life
offering a polite smile robin said. "Good afternoon."
The man stepped closer. "Afternoon, lad. You must be Robin, aye? Hannas boy , you changed a lot i almost couldn't recognize you?"
"That’s right," Robin replied, surprised that they recognized him. "I’m just on my way to the old house."
Another old man nodded, a look of understanding in his eyes. "I’m We all knew your grandparents well. They were good folk, and your mother—she was a gem. Sorry to hear about her passing."
"Thank you," Robin said quietly, feeling the weight of their shared grief. He noticed a few others approaching, curious looks on their faces.
An older woman with silver hair and a gentle smile joined the conversation. "It’s good to see someone from city family back in winterbury. The old house has been lonely without your grandparents. How long are you planning to stay?"
"I’m not sure yet," Robin admitted. "I need to figure things out. I haven’t been back here in so long."
The old woman nodded sympathetically. "Understandable. It’ll take time to adjust. But you’ll find that this village has a way of making you feel at home, even if you’ve been away for years."
Another man, shorter and stout with a broad grin, chimed in. "The house could use a bit of love, though. Saw it the other day—looks like it’s seen better times. But it’s solid. Your great grandfather built it to last."
Robin smiled, though his thoughts drifted to the task ahead. "I’ll have to take a look and see what needs fixing."
"We’ve got some good folk around here who can help with that," Tom offered. "If you need anything, just ask. "
"Thank you," Robin said sincerely. He appreciated their kindness, even though it felt overwhelming to be back in a place where everyone seemed to know his family’s history better than he did.he chatted for a bit with old peoples about life in city and verious stuff.
As he walked towards his grandparents’ house, he noticed a familiar face,an elderly man tending to a flowerbed outside one of the house. The man looked up, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile as he recognized Robin.
Is that you, Robin?” the man called out, setting down his trowel.
Robin hesitated for a moment, then smiled back. “Yes, Mr. Thompson. It’s been a while.”
“Too long,” Mr. Thompson said, wiping his hands on his apron as he approached. “Your mother would bring you around when you were just a lad. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. I’m sorry to hear about her passing.”
“Thank you,” Robin said, “I’m here to see the house.”
“Ah, the old place,” Mr. Thompson mused, his eyes distant for a moment. “It’s been empty since your grandparents passed. But it’s a good house, strong. Needs a bit of work, though, from what I’ve heard.”
Robin nodded, unsure of what to say. The house had always been more of a story to him, something his mother had left behind when she moved to the city. But now, it was his.
As he continued down the lane, another villager, a woman in her forties named Mrs. Elms, stepped out of her house, carrying a basket of laundry. She smiled when she saw Robin.
“Robin! It’s so good to see you. We heard you were coming,” she said, setting the basket down and walking over. “I’m so sorry about your mother. She was a lovely woman.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Elms,” Robin replied, grateful for the kindness. “I’m here to look after the house.”
Mrs. Elms nodded, her expression softening. “The old house has been lonely without your family in it. Your grandparents were well-loved here. They always had a kind word for everyone, and your grandmother’s garden was the envy of the village.”
Robin remembered the garden vaguely, a wild and colorful place where his grandmother would spend hours tending to the flowers and vegetables. “I’ll have to take a look at it,” he said, though he wasn’t sure what he would find after all these years.
As he continued on his way, he passed by the village pub, where a group of locals were gathered outside, enjoying the afternoon sun. One of them, a man in his forties named Kevin, called out to him.
“Robin! It’s been ages. You’re back for good?” kevin asked.
“Just for a while uncle kevin,” Robin said, pausing to chat. “I’ve got to sort out the house, see what needs doing.”
“Well, if you need a hand with anything, you know where to find us,” kevin offered. “That house has seen better days, but it’s got good bones.
Robin nodded. “He did. I’m hoping to fix it up.”
“That’s the spirit,” kevin said with a grin. “It’ll be good to have another young folk back in the village, all young left for the city to fulfill their dream.it's now just us and those old fossils . Even my son moved to the city.
Robin didn't say anything just nodded and started walking.