A New Beginning at The Mansion 

Concetta Pipia posted under Flash Fiction QuinTale-56 on 2023-10-06



The Maid-Madame hierarchy perished. The mansion, once lavish and opulent, now stood abandoned and neglected. Inside, a sense of faded regality lingered. The servants had vanished, leaving only whispers of revolt and a longing for change. In the grand salon, Laura stood, her breath hitching. She had been the head housemaid, serving under Madame Odette. With Madame Odette gone, Laura's position had become irrelevant. But instead of surrendering to defeat, hope ignited within her. Staring at the stained-glass windows, faded by time, Laura vowed to revive this dormant masterpiece. With her companion, Catherine, she embarked on a mission to build a sanctuary for women who had escaped servitude. News of the mansion's transformation spread, attracting women seeking refuge. Laura and Catherine welcomed each arrival, promising freedom and dignity. One afternoon, Laura noticed a young woman in the corridor. Fear filled her eyes. "You are safe here, my dear. What is your name?" Laura asked. "Clara," the young woman whispered, trembling. Laura embraced Clara. "You are not alone, Clara. We will help you build a life free from the past." Clara's tears turned to gratitude. She had found a place where her voice mattered, her dreams nurtured. Days turned to months, and the mansion thrived as a beacon of hope. Laura led the women towards new lives with strength and grace. One evening during a communal dinner, Laura stood up: "My dear sisters, we celebrate not just our own lives but also those yearning for freedom. Let us be their voice, bringing light to their lives." Applause filled the room, and Clara stood beside Laura. "We will join you, reaching out to other women in need, showing them a new life is possible." With newfound determination, Laura, Catherine, Clara, and the women opened more sanctuaries. Each one bore Laura's name, a testament to her unwavering spirit. Hope echoed through the halls, reminding them of a brighter future within reach. As the women continued their work, a mysterious benefactor appeared. A wealthy man, Mr. Harrison, had heard of Laura's mission and was moved by her selflessness and dedication. He offered his support, providing funds and resources to expand their reach. With Mr. Harrison's help, they built even more sanctuaries, offering safety and support to women in need. The women were overwhelmed with gratitude for Mr. Harrison's contribution. They recognized that their work had not gone unnoticed and that they were not alone in their mission. With their united efforts, they were able to help even more women reclaim their lives and find healing. And so, the mansion, once abandoned and covered in neglect, was truly brought to life. It became a symbol of resilience and hope for all those who sought refuge within its walls. The women who had escaped from the clutches of servitude found not just safety, but also empowerment and the opportunity to build a new life. On the grounds of the mansion, a community flourished, united in their shared pursuit of freedom, dignity, and a brighter future. *** Author’s Note: Story - https://penmancy.com/a-marigold-heart/     Penmancy gets a small share of every purchase you make through these links, and every little helps us continue bringing you the reads you love!