The Van Helsing Impetus – Excerpt No. 257

When a nor’easter was on the horizon, they had to nail shut the shutters along with the screen door. The house would creak and haw as the wind howled.

A cold drought always found a way to get through the walls, which reminded her of being outside on  a cool spring day. On stormy nights, the cold wind blew through the chimney and prevented them from lighting a fire. Ada and Maria had to take turns keeping the fire going all night.

Clara gasped after spotting something at the back of their home. The rough wooden construction, slanted roof and crescent moon carved out of the door was all she needed.

“That’s where papa died from black lung—” Clara whispered before choking on her words. “My god… I almost forgot.”