Lingering Influence
I have a friend who once lived in a so-called “murder house”, i.e., a house where sadly, someone died due to the actions of another.
Apparently, in some countries, a person selling or renting a home to you is obliged to tell you that such a horrific incident happened there. I’ve always wondered how you broach that subject during an appointment.
Do you casually drop it into a conversation?
“Here’s the bedroom, the bathroom, the lounge… Oh, by the way, there was a murder just there… Now, here’s the kitchen. It has a lovely view, as you can see.”
Or are you upfront about it?
“Why is the price so cheap? Well, ten years ago, something happened here.” And then watching for the look on your face, “But look on the positive, this property is 20% cheaper than the neighbouring one!”
Do they train real estate agents in how to deal with the topic, or are they left to their own devices to figure out how to handle it and the probable reaction from a customer?
Anyway, this house was a large old house that also looked like no one had updated the decor in about 30 years, resplendent in garish, floral 1970s wallpaper. Within ten minutes of my arrival, my friend also felt obliged to point out the murder scene to me. I guess, especially as I was staying on the couch in the very room where it happened.
I wondered how they handled that lingering influence in their house. Was the event so distant in time, and to them, it was merely an idiosyncrasy of the house? Or did they pass the spot as swiftly as possible, avoiding or ignoring it? If they needed new housemates, did they also inform them of the history or avoid the subject, hoping that the memory of it would slowly fade as new life spread through the house?
Despite enjoying reading and writing about fantastical creatures and worlds, I am, at heart, 150% an atheist. I don’t believe in an afterlife, spirits, or lingering influences beyond what resides in our minds.
However, as I settled down for sleep on that ageing couch, I couldn’t help but let my sleep-laden eyes settle on “that” spot. I wondered what my dreams would be like. Would I experience a restless sleep fuelled by horrific visions of human brutality or unexplained discomfort? Would my subconscious invent stories of what I thought might have happened, intertwined with my imagination for the bizarre? Would I dream of ghouls emerging from phantom blood stains, beckoning to me to claim my soul or pass on messages to missing loved ones? Would I awaken in a cold sweat, my mind racing, uncomfortable, and my eyes wide open, staring at you know where.
On that chill morning, I awoke well-rested after a peaceful sleep, and my atheist tendencies were confirmed. Humans may be cruel, and their influence may linger, but their spirits do not.
If you like what you're reading, support my work
Grapple git without the grief and try Tower, the best graphical interface for git on macOS and Windows.
Try Tower for free
Start learning something new or up-skilling with a book or course.
30% off ANYTHING at Manning