The old, gasoline-reeking bus rumbled to a stop, and Alice finally stepped out into the fresh air. A heavy rain had recently fallen, and the roadside was awash in mud. The woman’s face was as gloomy as the surrounding landscape. Her native village was visible nearby. Alice looked closely. Everything remained the same. Lights were already twinkling in the windows, and dogs were barking excitedly. Exactly as it had been six years ago. Only the farm equipment was no longer on the hill.
Alice didn’t know exactly what had happened to the farm. Apparently, Mr. Brown’s heirs did not want to bother with the business and simply sold everything off.
“What will happen now? How will I manage to live?” – the woman thought sadly, and she slowly trudged toward her home.
Reaching the main street, Alice paused. Fear made her uneasy, and she tried to walk very quietly. It felt as if she was being watched from every yard, and curses were being whispered behind her back. After all, it was because of her that nearly half the village had lost their jobs back then. She just wanted to reach home and hide from the hateful stares. But what about her little house now? What condition was it in, and was it even still there? Her heart pounded from the uncertainty, and the woman quickened her pace.
Over the years spent in the colony, Alice had completely changed. A different appearance, different thoughts, a different character. She used to be a beauty—cheerful, carefree, and flirty. Her thick red hair and blue eyes had long captivated the businessman Anthony Brown. He did not propose marriage; he simply suggested she move in with him. The girl, who lived alone in an old shack, thought she was lucky. So, she gladly agreed.
But the reality turned out to be harsh. Half the village worked for Anthony, and he had imagined himself a lord. He thought everything was permitted for him. People like that are called tyrants. Truthfully, Alice did not figure him out immediately. At first, the naive beauty was proud of the attention from a wealthy man. Out of all the village girls, Anthony had chosen her!
But the trap soon snapped shut. The man controlled her every move. Alice was not allowed to wear makeup, nor to dress smartly. He forbade her from having friends over. And she could not go out herself, or there would be a scandal.
That was how Alice lived. She washed, cleaned, and cooked. Then she would sit and wait for Anthony, never knowing what mood he would be in when he returned. She dreamed of going to work. But no chance. Would Anthony ever allow it? The domineering man was driven mad by jealousy. Every evening, he conducted interrogations. The girl tearfully tried to justify herself. “What lovers? I do not leave the house all day; I see no one but you.” But it was all useless. The slightly drunk tyrant would become even more enraged, and it would lead to physical abuse.
Unable to bear the humiliation and beatings, Alice decided to leave. She returned to her dilapidated little house, collapsed onto the bed, and began to weep bitterly. Towards morning, she briefly fell asleep. The next day, she resolutely set about cleaning. The work brought her pleasure. As she rid the rooms of dust, the girl also cleansed her soul. She hoped everything would be forgotten, and life would return to normal. But the worst was just beginning!
Alice had almost finished mopping the floor when her former lover burst into the kitchen. He sharply kicked the bucket and rushed toward the terrified girl. Fear clouded her judgment. The last thing she remembered was Anthony’s face contorted with rage. And then, darkness and a fog…
When Alice regained consciousness, Anthony was lying on the floor. Police officers were bustling around. They tried to ask her questions, showing the woman a small bag with a large kitchen knife inside. The furniture was overturned, the curtains were torn down, and the dishes were broken. The girl was frightened, silent, and tried to comprehend what was happening.
Loud voices of neighbors came from the yard:
– What a shrew! Imagine driving a man to this! He got involved with her, to his misfortune! That scoundrel was flaunting herself! If you have a man, just live quietly! She ruined our breadwinner! Where are we going to work now? Oh, what will happen now? What will happen?
Alice served her full sentence. A full six years in the colony! Time dragged slowly; the strict daily routine was oppressive. She left Anthony as if escaping from a prison. She dreamed of breaking free. And then this happened! Fortunately, she got along with everyone. The other inmates did not hurt Alice. On the contrary, they listened, sympathized, and supported her.
Cruel blows of fate do not pass without leaving a mark on a woman. Alice’s gaze was dim, her once beautiful face was gaunt and hardened, and her head was covered with gray hair. What did she look like to others now? Gloomy, stern, unkempt. It was immediately obvious—a former inmate. Could she have ever thought of such a thing, even as a joke, in her youth? They say one should never swear off poverty or prison. Alas! Now she was an inmate, and she would have to live with that.
Alice covered her face with a scarf and continued down the street. It was not far to go now. And then her house appeared. It seemed intact! It stood alone, dark and lonely, on the edge of the village. And nearby, the spreading trees! It was as if she had returned to her youth. The familiar coolness from the ravine, the gurgling of the stream, and the croaking of frogs. And beyond the ravine was the forest, where she once gathered mushrooms and listened to the chirping of birds.
Opening the squeaky gate, Alice stopped for a moment. The house stood as before. But what awaited her inside? Darkness, a pile of dust, and the smell of mold. It would take so much effort to set everything right.
Strangely, Alice was not met with the smell of dampness. She pressed the light switch—just in case. And suddenly, the light came on! She looked around in surprise. The dwelling was in perfect order, and flowers were blooming on the window sill. She ran over and peered into the pots. The soil was still moist—someone had been here recently. There were no strange belongings in the house, which meant it was simply being looked after, and the comfort and cleanliness were being maintained.
“And who is this kind soul?” Alice wondered with curiosity, when suddenly a voice was heard.
– Alice, hello! Finally. I saw the light come on, and I ran right over.
Alice turned toward the entry hall. Standing in the doorway was her smiling neighbor, Mrs. Harrison, carrying a large, stuffed bag.
– Oh, Alice, Alice, how you have changed. Look, I brought you some treats.
And then Mrs. Harrison began to lay the groceries on the table. There was everything imaginable! Bread, sausage, milk, and jam.
– Thank you so much, Aunt Harriet. Tell me, was it you who looked after the house? Alice asked with a smile.
– Yes, yes. How could I not? You cannot just abandon a home without care.
– What would I do without you, Aunt Harriet? Alice said and burst into tears.
– Well, it is time for me to go, Alice. Our men are angry at you, you see. Mine will be home from work soon. If he finds out I was here, there will be a row.
The neighbor’s support greatly encouraged Alice. Now, she was not alone! After drinking some delicious homemade milk, the woman was about to lie down. But there was an unexpected knock at the door.
Standing on the threshold was a shy boy of about thirteen. He hesitantly held out a bundle to Alice and quietly mumbled.
– Here, take this. My mum asked me to bring it.
– Tell her thank you very much! Alice replied cheerfully, and the timid boy immediately rushed away.
The bundle smelled of smoked bacon—an aroma simply irresistible. But Alice had no idea who the appetizing gift was from. The children had grown up over the years, so it was impossible to recognize them.
Jessica walked in without knocking. She never used to knock before. She was her best friend, after all! So, she had the right.
– Alice, Alice, I missed you so much!
Alice cried with happiness.
– I thought you would not even want to know me?
– Not want to know you? How could that be? What about our female solidarity? Let them say whatever they want. But it was self-defense. The men will not understand, that is why they are angry. You should go to bed early tonight. I will stop by tomorrow, and we can chat.
Pulling the warm blanket up, Alice yawned with satisfaction. But then there was a loud knock on the windowpane, and her sleepiness instantly vanished. The woman ran to the window and saw the massive silhouette of George. This middle-aged man was respected in the village and considered the unofficial elder.
– Listen, Alice, do not come outside. We will talk like this, through the window. You know, we sat here with the men and thought about it. You are not to blame, you see. You were defending yourself. It is hard for us, of course, without work in the village. Let the women think what they want. But Anthony ruined himself. Well, it is not customary to speak ill of the dead… You understand. And we collected a little money here, it will be enough for the time being. Go on, Alice, take it, do not be shy.
Seeing that the woman was uncomfortable, George resolutely tossed the money through the window and quietly disappeared into the darkness. Alice smiled and thought: “They are all so kind. Now I definitely will not be lost!”
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