The Garden House

She gave him a light squeeze, and went to the window. She parted the curtains and saw that a heavier rain was now falling. Down below in the garden house, a yellow light shone through the window. She was used to it being dark at night. It now appeared warm, welcoming, reminding her of when the kids used it.

“It’s nice, isn’t it – the garden house being used?” she said, more as a comment than a question. She continued to watch the lighted window, squinting ever so slightly. “Do we know any Jaspers?”

“Jaspers?” Ben asked, turning around. “I don’t think so. Why?”

“Just a strange dream I had.” She rubbed her arms, and remained looking out into the darkness. She was about to close the curtain, when she saw William appear in the garden house window. He gazed out at the rain for a few moments, then took something from his wallet and looked at it. A photo, or perhaps a business card. Then he returned it to his wallet, and closed the blinds.

“We really don’t know anything about him, do we?” Miranda asked.

“Who?” Ben saw that she was still looking down at the garden house. “William? What do you mean?”

Miranda gave a tiny shrug. “Letting a complete stranger into your home. It’s kind of an odd thing to do.”

“Well, we didn’t do a background check or anything. But a personal recommendation is always best. Don’t you think?”

“Yes,” Miranda said, and let the curtain fall.