Spring ? 6 ? 4 Voicemail

  The afternoon Caleb had spent with her at Veilwood had turned out to be a great time for the both of them, and the hours had just flown by.

  For some reason, everything about Veilwood had amazed him, but most of all he had been in awe of her attic. Of course, Caleb had noticed Glubsch and had shaken his head in wonder as Josie had told him the story about the cat's arrival. She had been careful to leave out any detail about the uncanny, magical side of the events surrounding the addition to her family. Even without those, the story of how the cat had followed her home was incredible, and Caleb had listened with fascination. Josie vividly remembered the incredulous look on the boy's face as she had told him the cat's name. After she had explained that it was a colloquial German word that meant “bulging” and referred to the overly large eyes, he had laughed and agreed. The boy had wandered around her room, looked at her collections, and had caught Josie off guard with questions about some of her pictures. Despite his unfamiliarity with the shows and movies, he had listened attentively to everything Josie had rambled on about. She had shared stories about the NCC-1701-D and her crew, an explanation as to why Holodeck episodes were completely pointless, and that Archer, Trip, and T'Pol should have had at least two more seasons - if not three.

  Completely uninhibited by her usual shyness, Josie had talked on and on, and had only realized how much she had spoken after explaining who the Lone Gunmen were and what their connection to Fox and Dana was. This part she had told in a more subdued voice, as she was very well aware that Nan didn’t really appreciate Josie watching that show, but the girl just hadn’t been able to resist the temptation. Of course, there were some gruesome and creepy episodes, but Josie almost dared herself to not close her eyes during those scenes.

  This slightly morbid fascination with her own horror had begun a while back, when she’d had nightmares about the picture of a Gargoyle she had seen in a book. She had jumped at every slight noise, and seen the creature lurking in every shadow - but then decided to take a moment to contemplate her feelings. After thinking about it, Josie simply refused to be intimidated any longer and had delved into an extensive search through the web. Gaining knowledge about the subject somehow diminished her fears, and she even found herself fascinated by the wonders she discovered. Who would have thought that Gargoyles, as grotesque and frightening as they looked, were actually good, beings who warded off evil, protecting the buildings they sat on? They were crafted to look unnerving and threatening, yet after her initial fear, Josie found the wings they often had to be quite fascinating, majestic and stunning even. Her research led her to more and more fascinating topics, but also to question the flat norms of good and evil depicted in most tales, and of beauty. This was how she had learnt about fantasy stories, and she had been devouring anything related ever since. Her fascination with science fiction had practically come hand in hand with this exploration - because who could resist starships and discovering new worlds?

  Even while she had been telling the story, she couldn’t quite believe sharing all of this with someone else, basically a complete stranger - and a boy at that. Caleb admitted to this, that he and Danny had been wondering about Josie’s inspiration for the picture from recess. Both had been under the impression that girls just couldn’t share their enthusiasm for gritty pastimes, but he also admitted, that they really didn’t know too many girls all that well. During his stay, Josie had expected him to only be interested in her drawings of grim scenes, and had been bewildered when Caleb had shown genuine enjoyment about all parts of their conversation. They had spent the rest of the afternoon discussing Josie's art, her figurines and sculptures, and their shared love for fantasy and sci-fi, all while taking turns scratching Glubsch between the ears and his shoulders. Time had flown by, something Josie had so far only experienced while sinking her mind into books, games, or movies - not while talking to other people.

  “You know, this day with you guys was a blast. I'd really love to come back some time. You know, I think Danny would totally love it here, too,” Caleb had told her before leaving for home while patting Glubsch on his little, round head.

  Josie, who had never received a compliment like this before, had shuffled her feet and tried to hide her beet-red face behind the loose strands of her hair.

  The boy had left Josie in high spirits when he went home before dusk. Nan had been a bit concerned to let Caleb stay, worried that the house might change again or that something uncanny would happen while he was there. To the relief of both of Veilwood’s residents, the house had been quiet and stayed the same, in fact, nothing untoward at all had occurred.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  Nan and Josie had prepared dinner together, both the slightest bit disoriented by the changes around the house. After noticing something being different, thinking about it made it clear that all the alterations were designed to make the house more accommodating. Where one would have had to squeeze through a narrow gap between two pieces of furniture before, there was now enough and convenient space to avoid bumping into anything. The cupboards in the kitchen were somehow much easier to reach, despite their increased size. The kitchen sink was also bigger, as if it had prepared itself for the increased number of inhabitants. Those were but some of the adjustments the two had noticed, but there were many such helpful new amenities, and Josie looked forward to exploring them all. This evening’s meal had been Griesnockerl, dumplings made from coarsely ground hard wheat cooked in a rich and savoury vegetable broth. Nourished by this hearty food, Josie now sat opposite Nan, and waited for the old woman to start talking. The woman, on the other hand, was staring straight at her hands on the table, clasping and wringing them in a fidgeting manner, while her forehead showed a deep scowl. Josie couldn't help but wonder about the unusual mannerisms, seeing as Nan was otherwise a very composed and calm person. The imminent conversation seemed to make the woman quite nervous. After taking a deep breath, Nan looked up at Josie.

  “I have to admit, you having Caleb over was quite the surprise. From what little I have seen of the boy, I think I approve of you and him becoming friends. And I had time to gather my thoughts - before talking about the Uncanny, like I promised we would do.”

  “It's okay, Nan. I still don't understand everything that’s happening, but I get that you needed to clear your head.”

  “It is not only that. There are things you do not know about me, yet, as well.

  I have thought about it thoroughly, and I think I know what we need to do.”

  Josie reigned her curiosity in as she sensed that Nan had to brace herself for what she was about to say.

  “After taking everything I could into consideration, I think I need to take you to see my family.”

  Josie frowned, puzzled by what she heard. Nan emitted a small chuckle.

  “Are you talking about Germany? What would we even do there? I know you still have distant relatives there, but…”

  “They will know what to do, they can help with your magic.”

  “But Germany! I got school! We can’t just up and leave!”

  “Josie, for goodness' sake, I know you are excited about all that is happening, but please stop talking and just let me finish.” Nan took a deep breath.

  Josie nodded, pressed her lips together, and waited. Nan’s choice of wording and the impatient outburst were most unexpected.

  “We are not going to Germany. But I can not explain very well without showing you. We will go now, but I am going to need your help.”

  “Now? As in right now? But it's already dark outside!”

  “I know. But we will be together, and it is actually easier to find the way at night.”

  “I don't understand, but okay… and why do you need my help?”

  “You will see soon enough,” Nan said, nodding towards her cane. “But first, we need to set up the answering machines of our phones.”

  “Our voicemail? Why would we have to do that?!”

  “We have to let people know that we did not just disappear into thin air. We will say that there has been a family emergency - which is not even that big of a lie in my opinion. Come to think of it, maybe I should even leave a message on the answering machine of your school.”

  “Nan, I really don’t understand what’s going on any more. Why would people need to know just because we’re going for a walk?”

  “Because, my dear, I have absolutely no estimate about how long we will be gone.”