The Widow's Secret

The Widow’s Secret

by DJ

In a village shrouded in eternal mist stood an old house inherited by the Albrecht family. The house had been silent since the tragic death of Mr. Albrecht two years ago. His wife, Mrs. Liora Albrecht, a young widow known for her grace and mystery, chose to remain in the house—alone.

Every night, one window on the third floor was always lit. Villagers believed it was the late husband's room, who had mysteriously “fallen” from the balcony. But no one ever heard a scream. No wounds were seen. And no body was ever found.

One night, a young journalist named Eren Mavell arrived in the village. He was drawn to the mystery of the Albrecht family and wanted to write about it for his debut book. He disguised himself as a biographer wanting to interview Mrs. Liora.

Liora welcomed Eren warmly yet coldly. "Many love to rewrite the stories of the dead," she said, staring blankly out the window. "But not everyone is ready to hear a story that isn't finished."

Eren stayed in the house for a week. He noted everything. Liora always wore black and never touched her dinner. Yet, every midnight, the sound of clinking dishes could be heard from the upper floor.

On the fifth night, Eren dared to sneak up to the third floor. But the room was locked. Strangely, the scent of toast and coffee wafted from under the door. When he peeked through the keyhole, there was nothing but an old mirror and a rocking chair.

The next day, Eren asked Liora about the room.

"That’s the room of memories. I haven’t entered it since... he left."

"But someone still goes in there every night."

Liora smiled faintly. "Perhaps it's only your imagination."

Eren began digging deeper and discovered there were no death records under the name Mr. Albrecht. In fact, no records of him ever being married. The Albrecht family tree ended generations before Liora.

Curious, Eren opened an old safe he found in the underground library. Inside was a photo album... full of pictures of Liora. But from different eras: the 1800s, 1920s, 1970s. In every photo, Liora looked exactly the same.

Eren realized: Liora does not age.

On the seventh night, Liora invited him to dinner. “I want you to know, I never meant to lie. I just... was waiting for someone clever enough to ask.”

During dinner, Liora stared at Eren and said, “Do you know why this house is never abandoned?”

Eren shook his head.

“Because this house is a prison,” she whispered. “Not for me. But for a spirit that can’t escape… unless there’s a replacement.”

Suddenly, the lights went out. When Eren opened his eyes, he was on the third floor. The rocking chair swayed gently. The old mirror reflected his face... but it had changed into Mr. Albrecht’s.

Downstairs, Liora brewed coffee and placed it on a silver tray. She walked up the stairs slowly, humming a classical tune never heard before.

From the third-floor window, the light turned on once again. As always.

And in the village, the people whispered only one thing:

“A journalist went into that house. But like the others… he never came out.”