preview

A Short Story

Good Essays
Open Document

Hours after Vera frightened Mr. Nuttel away, Mrs. Sappleton stood in the rustic, tidy, kitchen, preparing blueberry muffins. “Vera, my dear,” the stout woman said. “Yes, Auntie?” responded Vera, a fifteen year old girl with blonde hair as straight as a ruler. “It has been bothering me that Mr. Nuttel left so quickly. I thought we were adequate hosts.” “Oh, Auntie, you mustn’t blame yourself. He is just petrified of dogs. Allegedly, Mr. Nuttel was involved in some terrible accident back home with a spaniel such as ours. With a man who has such bad anxiety, anything can trigger him so easily.” “Thank you. That must be the explanation. I am glad you had the chance to talk with the man and find this out...Muffin?” Mrs. Sappleton extended …show more content…

“Mr. Nuttel?” she stuttered, as Vera had done only minutes earlier. “Hello, Mrs. Sappleton. I would like to apologize for leaving so quickly. Oh, and hello. What are your names?” Mr. Nuttel spoke behind Vera’s aunt, assuming the other three residents of the Sappleton home were supposed to be behind her. Mr. Nuttel had finally convinced himself that the three men he saw earlier that day, were just figments of his imagination. The men were dead, long dead, as Vera explained in her story, through a conversation of awkward small talk and waiting for Mrs. Sappleton to arrive home. He figured the middle-aged aunt was just a lamenting woman who was not well, and he wanted to spare her feelings. Bewildered, the aunt questioned, “Who are you talking to?” Mr. Nuttel, disappointed with his failed attempt, said, “I apologize, I thought I saw your husband and brothers.” She smiled, “That is quite alright. They are just inside. I ought to fetch them for you.” Vera shouted obstinately, “That is not necessary, Auntie. They are tired tonight!” “Nonsense,” Mrs. Sappleton argued. “Mr. Nuttel should meet them. I am sure he wants to, even!” Mr. Nuttel grinned. Once Mrs. Sappleton left the girl and the anxious man alone, Vera began pacing up and down on the Sappleton porch. “Oh no, oh no, oh no,” she whimpered. “What is it, Vera?” Mr. Nuttel politely asked. Vera did not answer, and continued pacing. After two minutes, Mrs. Sappleton emerged, this time, with the

Get Access
Related
Get Access