Sweeping, wind-honed willows and bountiful evergreen trees stood like sentinels guarding the entrance to the expansive, white mansion that perched on Edgington Hill. Ancient wines clung gleefully to the white-washed stones of the majestic old house surrounded by acres of forests and lush, flowering gardens. An iron gate, unchained, swayed in the howling wind as Savannah ventured forth. A teenager arrived to babysit. Bespeckled and lean, the gangly brunette previously planned to stay home and study anyway. Her reputation for harboring little patience for disorderly conduct and her punctuality lead to her being called here. She nearly waltzed through the breathtaking garden at the front entry. A thumping was evident before she touched the doorbell and continued momentarily afterwards until a gust of wind whirled around the lass. The door broadly swung open. Eyes, wizened and weary, that sat deep in the wrinkled face of the elderly woman stared at the young girl. “You are quite punctual!” The lady let a thin grin spread broadly over her prudish face. “Most young ladies tend to be a bit wary of coming out here. I’m glad to see that you are different.” Savannah quickly entered. “The wind, my dear, is horrid. Do come in and let’s close this door.” Eager to get past the partings, Savannah confidently strode inside but felt her heart cave a little when the door slammed behind her. The children were not there yet! “It helps if I meet the little ones before you leave,” she protested in hopes her wards would appear. “The little ones are upstairs sleeping and it’s my preference that you not go upstairs to disturb them. I shall return before they miss me.” “If I hear noises upstairs, would you like me to check on them? Also, where shall I reach you in the event of an emergency?” It was not a sitter’s concern as to ‘where’ their employer went only ‘how to reach them’ should such be necessary. “No, do NOT go upstairs at all.” Isabelle sighed having repeated her instructions on many previous occasions. “If any of my little ones wake, they will come downstairs. Treat them as you would any other child their age. There is kool-aid and popcorn in the kitchen, and they may help themselves to whatever they want . . . just as you may.” Her smile waned. “There is NO way you can reach me. I will be walking in the park, but don’t fret so. I’ll be back shortly. Meanwhile, feel free to explore the downstairs at your leisure.” Following those instructions, Isabelle donned her cashmere coat and started, cane in hand, to the door. “Yes, ma’am.” It sounded like an easy job. “Enjoy your walk.” The door closed quietly as Savannah heaved heavily. She had lots of homework and thought now would be a good time to do it . . . lest the children wake later. First she did a bit of exploring then served herself kool-aid and popcorn (freshly popped and sitting on the stove). After finding the exquisite library, Savannah chose to study there with her refreshments. Engrossed in her work, she did not hear Isabelle return. “Find anything interesting, dear?” Her employer smiled warmly. Startled, Savannah looked up quickly noting that the lady already put her coat away. “Oh, your library is beautiful! I had hoped to use your computer but couldn’t find it anywhere. Do you have one?” “I’m sorry, child, but I’m not up on technological advances.” Her interest seemed genuine. “Is there any particular place to purchase one?” The lass shrugged, “Not around here there isn’t. The local shops have older models but there’s all sorts of new computers coming out daily from the Silicon Valley in California.” As Savannah gathered her belongings together Isabelle took a crisp ten dollar bill and pressed it into her hand. “Oh, that’s too much.” Savannah protested. “You were not gone that long. Besides, I spent the entire time doing my homework.” “Nonsense,” Isabelle took an instant liking to the child, “I made you trek all the way over here to sit for me. Believe me, having you here gave me a much needed break.” “But the children never woke . . .” “Hush, child. I can easily afford to pay for your time.” On her next visit to sit there was the latest computer available sitting in the library. During the next twelve months Savannah ‘sat’ at least once a week but, during all that time, she never once saw a child. She firmly suspected that her elderly friend was merely lonely because lately Isabelle had often stayed home. They ‘surfed’ on the computer together, talked, shared refreshments and had such an enjoyable time together that the teen felt guilty about taking money from her friend. During one beautiful evening in September Isabelle brought out the refreshments as it was time to further their relationship. “You’ve never asked, but I’d like to tell you about my limp.” The spinster sat down and grasped the hand of her friend. “It’s none of my business . .” “But I want you to know!” Her voice firm, Isabelle began. “I was a head-strong lass, bound and determined to ride a filly that was too much for me to handle, and while we were jumping hurdles, the mare threw me. That wouldn’t have been too bad, but she tripped and fell on top of my right leg nearly shattering every bone in it.” “I’m so sorry . . .” “Let me finish, please.” There was a lift in her voice, a youthful edge. “I began to visit this house to ‘sit’ and eventually moved in here. When I take my walks, it is to revisit an old memory . . . any of my choice . . . and relive the moment.” Susannah gaped though she was unable to comprehend what she was hearing. It wasn’t possible to relive moments, was it? Their hands squeezed tightly. “Bear with me, child, but remember that you are just to watch and do nothing. O.K.?” “O.K.” Isabelle limped out onto the lawn, but the further she went, the more she changed until there was a young girl with a normal gait. The youngster mounted a huge, golden mare and then went galloping across the lawn that was now, mysteriously, set up for jumping. They made the first two jumps effortlessly, but on the third hurdle, the lass went flying before the horse tripped and fell on her right leg! Susannah jumped from her seat ready to run to help the child then caught herself. Supposed to ‘do nothing but watch’, she promptly sat back down. As the breathless lass limped toward the portico, she changed into an elderly woman. Savannah rubbed her eyes in amazement. After taking her seat again, Isabelle spoke softly. “I am a caretaker here.” She gestured toward the house. “This is a refuge for the souls in between lives. They slumber upstairs until given a new body or called to their designation. My duty is to see that they are not disturbed, that their refuge is safe, and my rewards are many.” “Wow!” Never in her wildest dreams had Savannah imagined such a place. “I don’t know what to say.” “Would you like to go upstairs, child? Would you like to see them?” The light shone especially bright in the teens’ eyes. “You can see souls?” Isabelle laughed softly. “They are little sparkles of light, some are brighter than others, and they tend to go quickly whichever way they’re headed.” “Oh, my!” Savannah stood up quickly. “I can’t wait another second. Show me, please.” Anxiously they grasped hands and practically skipped to the winding staircase, then mounted each stair as if borne on wings. “Sh.h, child. We do not wish to disturb them.” They tip-toed in awe as the upstairs hall came into view. Thousands of glowering dots of light danced, dipped and soared--coming and going--in neverending fashion. Savannah gasped delightfully and stood totally entranced by the parading lights of all sizes that occasionally flashed like fourth of July fireworks. It was unbelievable! There were more souls here than there were stars in heaven! The women sat on the landing to enjoy, revel, in the souls of man which passed in the blink of an eye. With reverence they watched in amazed fascination not taking their eyes off of their charges for an instant until Isabelle noticed that the phone was ringing. Quickly bounding down the steps, Savannah answered. “Hello?” It was her parents calling to see how long she’d be. “I’ll be home soon. O.K.?” By the time she hung up, Isabelle was beside her. “You have to go now?” Savannah warmly embraced Isabelle. “I don’t want to, but tomorrow is a school day.” She was a senior. “You are so lucky to live here.” Taking advantage of the opening, hoping for a positive response, Isabelle broached her offer. “Would you like to live here, too?” The audible gasp was followed by a flow of tears. “Would I?” The teen cried on her friends’ shoulder. “It would be heaven to live here, but I have to finish school and get a job.” Isabelle slowly shook her head in disagreement. “I agree with finishing school, but you already have a job with me. You would want for nothing as all expenses are paid for us. What do you think?” “I think it will be hard to concentrate on my studies because ‘this’ is waiting for me come June.” Enveloped in the warmth of each other, Isabelle had to continue. “I will not remain with you long, child.” Worry crept into Savannah’s words. “Are you ill?” There was that thin laugh again. “Hardly, child, the caretaker is immortal. However, it is my wish to return to a moment in time, accept a proposal and live a normal life when you are ready to become the caretaker.” “This place would be mine?” “Aye, child, along with the responsibilities. There can be no children living here at Edgington Hill so you would have to measure time, let it pass and then return to the proper moment when you’ve found another to take your place.” The elderly lady hung her head sadly. “It is a lonely life though most rewarding.” “Yes, yes, yes!” Susannah thought quickly. “Can I revisit moments with you?” “Certainly, but I haven’t gone any place yet.” With that they sealed a deal that came to past when the lass graduated. They were together for months before Isabelle took leave. “I will miss you, child.” They warmed embraced sharing tears of parting. “I will soon be twenty-seven, bear children and complete my circle of life. You will always be deep in my heart Savannah.” “You will live forever in mine as well.” The lass watched as Isabelle crossed the lawn one final time, limping happily and never looking back, and then went upstairs to sit on the landing to be dazzled once more by the light of life.