The Hidden Stairs (conclusion) by digitalrn

The Hidden Stairs (conclusion)

"The necklace is in the little trinket box in the corner, over there." She pointed to the corner of the stairs. I saw it, stooped down and picked it up. I gently removed the lid,and there it was, the cross necklace. The gold cross glistened. "I hope this is the key that will free Momma from her years of torment, and I hope it's not too late. When you place it in Momma's hand, just say to her, Anna loves you. My name is Kianna, but Momma always called me Anna. She was the only one who used that name. She will know the message is from me. As soon as she understands, her spirit should be free, and I too should be free to move on." After Kianna told me where to find her Mother, I took the cross necklace in my hand. I will go first thing in the morning, I said. Kianna smiled. I turned and glanced down the stairs. I saw a light coming through the opening in the wall where I came through. The door was gone. I turned to look at Kianna, but she too was gone. With necklace in hand, I turned and managed to maneuver my way out through the opening in the wall. I went downstairs and sat in the recliner. I then remembered that I left my flashlight and lantern in the stairwell. I immediately went back upstairs to retrieve it. When I entered the storage room, I noticed right away, the opening was gone. My flashlight and lantern sat on the floor in front of where the opening had been. I went back downstairs and sat in the recliner. I soon dozed off to sleep. When I awoke it was almost 8 am. Boy, that was some weird dream. Then I noticed the necklace in my hand. It wasn't a dream. I grabbed my jacket and went to find Kianna's Mother. When I arrived, I stopped by the front desk to get the room number. I took the elevator to the fifth floor, got off and began strolling down the corridor looking for room 542. there it was. The door was open. The room was illuminated by the early morning sun shining through the window. I knocked, but no one responded. I walked in, and there she was, seated in a chair. She was a small lady, frail, and a quilt was draped over her lap. Her one hand was on top of the quilt, propped on her lap. I slowly walked over to her, gently touched her hand. Kathryn, I said. She slowly lifted her gaze to meet mine. No expression. Her eyes were hollow, cheeks sunken, and her wrinkles gave her a look of permanent sadness. I gently took her hand in mine, then gently placed the cross necklace in hers. Anna loves you, I told her. Immediately her eyes opened, a new life appeared. She slowly raised her hand and gazed at the cross. She took her other hand out from under the quilt, grasped the cross with both hands and slowly lifted her hands to her lips and kissed the cross. She raised both arms and gently placed the necklace around her neck. She took the cross and held it tightly in her hands. Color returned to her face. Her eyes brightened. "Anna" I heard her whisper. Then the smile. She closed her eyes. It felt good to see the change in her. I turned and walked out, but I stopped momentarily at her door to look at the room number one more time, 542. That is the same as my house number. Coincidence? Again, kind of freaky, but at least this time in a nice way. When I returned home, my Wife was in the kitchen. "So where were you so early," she asked. I went out for coffee. I couldn't sleep. "Honey, I don't know what you were up to last night, but I am beginning to worry about you." Don't worry, I'm fine, I responded, then went back upstairs to the storage room. Sure enough, the opening was gone. All that was there was the plaster wall. Well, it must have worked. Hopefully Kianna is now at peace. Later that night while I was lying in bed, I couldn't help but notice how quiet and peaceful it was. No noises, no voices. I think we are in for a peaceful night, I said to my Wife. "Well that would be a nice change. Now please go to sleep." I rolled over and closed my eyes. Then I heard it. I heard some faint noises. It sounded like cries. Do you hear that, I asked my Wife. "Don't even start! For God's sake, go to sleep!" I didn't ask for this gift, I mumbled to myself. Gift? More like a curse. I pulled the pillow over my head and rolled over again. The sounds were getting louder....
aaaah you were able to finally UPLAOD..... am glad.... bone chilling story.... Great Writing and shot, rick....
November 1st, 2010  
Beautiful shot. attention is all on the golden cross
November 1st, 2010  
very nice! well done. love the pix that have gone with the story and love that voices keep coming.
November 1st, 2010  
nice one rick! and i like ur idea of putting the story! very artistic
November 1st, 2010  
What a wonderful and creative story. Very enjoyable for the holiday.
November 1st, 2010  
Great shot
November 1st, 2010  
Enjoyable story but it doesn't sound finished
November 1st, 2010  
Well, it leaves it open for a sequel.
November 1st, 2010  
Rick, I really enjoyed this story. I'm ready for the next one. This one should be submitted as a short story somewhere.Thank you for sharing it.
November 1st, 2010  
Sue
Fantastic story! You are so talented!
November 1st, 2010  
...possible the beginning to a new story...Hopefully one day, this was a great series of photos to accompany an awesome story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us =)
November 1st, 2010  
Wonderful pic, nicely captured, processed!!
November 1st, 2010  
Great story and pic!!
November 1st, 2010  
Nice job Rick on the story and the photo. I see you know about sequels...
November 1st, 2010  
I've just caught up on the last three installments! Love it, wonderful photos to go with it. Well done Rick :)
November 1st, 2010  
Very riveting story,,,& glad to know that the answer is The Cross - & great ohoto editing too.
November 1st, 2010  
Excellent Rick,both photo and story,love it!
November 1st, 2010  
It might be the "conclusion" but it's not the end...!
November 1st, 2010  
Great pics and a great story......I look forward to the next one
November 1st, 2010  
Stunning picture Rick! Great story!
November 1st, 2010  
Wonderful allegory. Terrific visuals! Great fun!
November 1st, 2010  
this is a great shot....lovely story and pictures....nicely done series.
November 1st, 2010  
Great shot & story,Your very talented x
November 1st, 2010  
To be continued....
Great story!
November 1st, 2010  
I love the picture. I will read the story later.
November 1st, 2010  
Quite disappointed your story has come to an end , its been fun reading it Rick
November 1st, 2010  
Oh boy! What will the next one need? Hmmmm ..... Good story. It has us checking back for the next installment. :-)
November 1st, 2010  
Very nice job on the story and the photos--now compile it all together and get it ready to submit!
November 1st, 2010  
Excellent story, Rick! Yes, you should definitely try and put a book together! Awesome photos to go along with the story too!
November 1st, 2010  
wow!! incredible story--you're very creative!! beautiful pic too!
November 1st, 2010  
:) book deal?
November 1st, 2010  
You're a brilliant storyteller and photographer, great stuff!
November 2nd, 2010  
Thanks for the story. Great job.
November 2nd, 2010  
wonderfully thought out photos and best story ive heard in a long time.. great job Rick!!!
November 2nd, 2010  
There are advantages to missing a week. I got to read your story all at once, while everyone else had to read it in installments.
You are some storyteller also! So will thought out and put together.
November 2nd, 2010  
Great story, Rick! It sounds like you are going to be the healer for the other side!! Can't wait for more...my kind of story!
November 4th, 2010  
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