There is always one rule!

There was only one rule…don’t open the door!

Sandy stood in the front yard not sure what to do.

She had grown up in this sprawling old home in southern Virginia and had only returned as an adult. She was saddened that she had buried her mom without resolution, but their relationship had been combative and distant, at best, over the last 7 years.

Now she was “home” and was considering just going back to New York without even entering the house.

“Oh come on Sandy,” she thought out loud. “Just open the door and go in. You spent many happy years here. The house hasn’t changed, just your memories of it.” The old homestead was worth a fortune right now with the large home, barn and 31 acres of prime farmland. She knew she would be in great financial shape after dumping this place.

Sandy turned the oversized doorknob and entered. The living room had a high ceiling with dusted over skylights. The old furniture, covered with sheets, stood like silent soldiers guarding the room and the cobwebs. She wandered into the kitchen to find the refrigerator humming happily along as if its life hadn’t changed too.

As she wandered toward the staircase, she noticed the basement door and remembered what her mom had said in the will. There is only one rule …. Don’t open the door. If Sandy complied, everything would be hers. Otherwise, the whole estate would go to charity.

She stood in front of the door, thinking about it for a long time and then put her hand on the knob. No one will ever know, she thought. I’m the only one here.

The creaky old door opened slowly and there stood a familiar shadow.

“Gotcha”, mom yelled. “Now you get nothing.”