The Chalet
The CBB -> Starting again at Sarres...

#1: The Chalet Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:20 am


The old chalet had been disused for years. Once thronging with visitors, humming with life and activity, it had been a busy, happy place, but now it was gloomy, silent and deserted. The only sign of life was the spiders, scuttling around, occasionally a family of mice would take up residence, but they soon left for places where food was more pentiful. Empty and lonely it had stood there, each year becoming a little more dilapidated as the weather took its toll. Inside, cobwebs dangled from the ceilings, the floors, once shining were dusty and dull, a few dead leaves scattered here and there; an odd broken chair, left behind when the rest were taken away, on its side in a corner, the only furnishing.

Once or twice a year the owner would come, just to check the roof wasn’t leaking, or that the most recent storms had not done any damage. Other than that it sat empty and forgotten, the plants outside growing up to hide the need for a fresh coat of paint, only the fading memories of the past to keep in its loneliness.

Then one day, everything changed. Not just the owner, but a whole bevy of men and women with him arrived. The owner gave instructions and they set to work – painters, carpenters and men-of-all work, women and girls with brooms and scrubbing brushes and polish. Over the next few days and weeks, shutters were flung open, fresh air was allowed to sweep through the deserted rooms. The stoves were cleaned out and fires were lit. Windows were cleaned and cracked panes replaced. The floor was swept and then polished to a high shine. Walls were painted in fresh pastel shades, the plants outside were cut back, pulled up and generally brought into submission. New partition walls were put up, balconies were repaired, frescoes were repainted, woodwork was varnished.

The building woke from its stupor as it was given a new lease of life. Now it was filled with activity and voices, warmth and light. From the chatter of the women who scrubbed and polished, it was soon clear what had brought about all this activity. New people were coming, all the way from England. The chalet was going to be a school.

 


#2:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:07 pm


I still like this! Thank you Liz!

 




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