The Other Side of Happiness
On the southeast coast of Scotland lies a small, unremarkable, and somewhat paradoxically named town called Glum. Despite its gloomy and uninspiring name, Glum was a perfectly lovely place to live in. It boasted of an array of brightly painted picturesque cottages, lined with vibrant flower gardens that put a lively spin on this quaint little town.
A few miles north of this town, atop a hilly patch, stood a rickety old mansion that had certainly seen better days. Abandoned and desolate for years, this mansion was a symbol of mystery, the tales of which were passed down from one generation to another.
Meet Alice, a 23-year-old woman with a heart full of dreams, living in Glum. Alice was invariably curious and was drawn towards solving the enigma that the aforementioned mansion exuded. One day, Alice decided to explore. She hoped to find reasons behind the numerous inexplicable incidents that occurred in the mansion.
She began by researching the local library's archives, gathering tales of mysterious shadows and eerie music echoing from the house. Most residents believed the mansion to be haunted, advising Alice to steer clear. But Alice was undeterred. Her burning desire to solve the mystery led her to the mansion's creaky pathway, armed with her torchlight and steely determination.
Nervously, she pushed open the mansion's massive wooden door. The attack of dust and the musty damp smell further accentuated the ghostly reputation of the house. Alice, slowly but surely, began exploring each room. It was a series of disappointments as she found nothing out of the ordinary, only cobwebs and old, dust-covered furniture.
However, when she reached the attic, she found an inconspicuous, rusty, old keyhole in a dark corner. She was intrigued, for this was her first promising lead. Alice fetched an old key she found in one of the dusty rooms, and to her amazement, it was a perfect fit! As she turned the key, her eyes were dazzled by the glittering sight that lay beyond.
Inside was a room adorned with glittering golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, walls lined with intricately designed wallpaper, and vast, beautifully painted landscapes. In one corner was an old grand piano, still shiny and covered in a thin layer of dust. Alice approached the piano and ran her fingers on its majestic keys, filling the room with a hauntingly beautiful melody.
Alice spent hours in the room, reading manuscripts and playing the piano. She noticed that the mansion wasn't haunted but harbored an unshared side of happiness. The room mirrored the life of a lady named Emma, as described in the manuscripts, who was abandoned by her family because of her love for music and art. Emma spent her days nurturing her passion in this room, unknown to the world.
Alice began visiting the room daily, reliving Emma's days of solitude and the sanctuary she had found amidst societal norms. The mansion was no longer a mystery, but a symbol of perseverance, passion, and dedication. Alice shared her discovery with the people of Glum, who were astounded and soon, the mansion was restored, and the room was preserved, becoming a beacon for the artists of Glum.
Alice didn't find what she had expected. Instead, she uncovered an extraordinary tale that breathed life into the desolate mansion. She found happiness in the unlikeliest of places and learned that there was always another side to everything, a side that often remained hidden till someone like Alice was bold enough to uncover it.