I was beginning to think Id lost my mind. I hadnt lived here long, and I was aloneno girlfriend, no flatmate, no friends whod just pop in unannounced. Lately, though, my clothes and dishes had been driving me mad. Sometimes Id chuck my jumper on the sofa before rushing to work, only to come home and find it neatly folded in the wardrobe, in another room. Other times, Id leave dirty dishes and head out, but when I returned theyd already be washed and put away.
I deliberately searched the internet for answers, and everyone on the forums insisted I must have a house sprite. Apparently, you have to leave milk and biscuits out for it and ask it kindly to leave.
So, before heading to work, I tried just that. By evening, the milk was gone, the plate was back in the cupboard above the cooker, and the biscuits had vanishedthere werent even crumbs left.
I was completely lost, unsure what to do or whom to ask, so I rang my gran. She often told me about her odd dreams and peculiar things that had happened in her life, and I hoped for some sage advice.
Are you sure no ones been round? she wondered. You havent bumped into anyone?
No, honestly, I told youtheyre invisible, or they only come when the house is empty
Dont be daft! Gran scolded. You forgot your mum kept a spare key, didnt you? Her mother-in-law is visitingyour other nanand she doesnt know where to go. Every day, she nips over to yours. She doesn’t want to disturb you, so she comes while youre at work, potters about, watches telly, just to avoid her mother-in-law. And you”
Grans words made me burst out laughing. The relief that nothing supernatural was happening was enormous. On Friday, I took the day off and waited for Mum. I finally felt relaxedand sure enough, she came in, opened the door with the spare key and headed straight to the kitchen to see if there were any dirty dishes. I startled her a bit by being home, but honestly, her cleaning spree startled me just as much.
I told her she was always welcome, at least until Grans visit ended, and even suggested she stay over for the weekend.
