It was terrible.

I had the money I needed to buy a house but most of the houses were revolting. Scratched up rotting floorboards and torn wallpaper. Broken furniture and creaky doors.

The sellers weren't any better either, all looking like they were attempting to scam me. The fact that I owned a well-groomed horse was enough to tell them that I had more than enough money on me.

It took hours but I had managed to find a nice home previously owned by an even nicer old lady named Mrs. Madeline. 

Her voice was sweeter than any syrup as she showed me around, "My son begged me to move with him, saying I shouldn't live alone in a place like this. I told him not to worry but I ended up giving in."

I smiled back, gazing out a window to a forest, "That's just his motherly instincts."

She let out a heart-warming laugh, "I guess so!"

The next stop was out to the backyard, revealing a beautiful garden flourished with flowers and vegetables. It was a sight for sore eyes. 

Her wrinkled fingers brushed against a petal of a nearby flower, "This was my masterpiece. I tended to this garden every day to keep it pretty."

"It's absolutely beautiful," I murmured, gazing upon the sun-kissed land, "You did a wonderful job."

"Oh, you flatter me far too much," Mrs. Madeline laughed, waving a dismissive hand as we re-entered the house, "Plus, I trust that you'll be able to take just as good care of it." 

I nodded, "Of course, how much?"

"It's 9,500 pounds, " She sighed, "I told my son that I thought it was too much but he said I needed to get something out of this. "

I shook my head, "No, that's a perfect amount."

Luckily for me, I had brought a lot of money and handed her two bags, knowing that was more enough.

The elder woman furrowed her brow, "I think this is too much."

"Well then, consider it a gift for allowing me to live in such a beautiful house, " I replied with a smile, gazing wistfully out the window at the garden that was now mine, "Plus, I'm sure you can find something to indulge yourself in. "

She seemed conflicted, rubbing her thumb against the leather bag, "Well, my son's wife, Melissa, is expecting soon..."

"Exactly, " I turned back to her with a smile, "A grandchild to take care of. I'm sure they would appreciate a few gifts for the baby."

"You're too sweet, " Her eyes twinkled with delight, "I'm glad I found such a nice boy to give this house to."

"I'll treat it well, " My lips curled up into a smile as she headed towards the door, "Come back any time you please."

There was a cheeky gleam in her eyes, "Of course, I have to come to see for myself that you're treating the 'ol girl well."

On that note, she left, leaving me in a calm quaint house. I looked around at the beautiful furniture she had left behind for me. She had told me that her late husband had made most of it. That alone made the house feel welcoming. There was history in these walls. The story of a wonderful woman and a charming man where they build this entire home from scratch to raise their children.

I moved the bedroom, laying on the cream-colored bedsheets, basking in their warmth as the pillows caressed my head. I loved this home.

The only worry was with the curse. Being a familiar home had many incidents already but an entirely new one? That was a disaster waiting to happen.

I could hope that I wouldn't hurt myself too much but that was impossible to guarantee.

It was a new village so I could hope that I'd find love soon.