Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 259) Spend Time
Stephen is not ready to spend the rest of the day alone in the manor and wants the opportunity to talk with Zsofia about his family and about her as an individual. This will be his excuse anyway, that is if an excuse is even necessary.
He would truly like to know more about her as a person, what her plans are for the future. The more time they have spent together, the more he respects who she is, and the more attracted to her he has become.
“Are you sure you do not mind Tamas napping?” Zsofia questions softly. “With Grandfather’s unexpected trip, I feel as if we have intruded on your time too much already.”
“Yes, please. . . I mean yes, I’m sure.” He says in an awkward way. “Wow, none of that is coming out right.” Stephen shakes his head at his own nervousness. “What I mean is, I hate to have him walking that far when he is tired. After all, I have days and months to organize this place and I’d like to spend time with you, you know. . . to talk about our families and stuff.”
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 258) Tired
“Struuudel.” Tamas states softly causing Stephen to laugh.
“You have the right idea Tamas.” Stephen says as he gently closes the door.
Together, the trio make their way to the dining room and while Zsofia pulls the tasty looking food items from her basket, Stephen is making sure Tamas is safely seated and pushed up to the table. When he looks up, Zsofia is smiling at him, which in turn makes him grin as well. At that moment, they seem to have come to a common realization of mutual admiration.
After a hearty lunch that consisted of mushroom soup, bread and of course strudel for dessert, it is obvious the day has been very tiring for Tamas. His eyelids are droopy and he does not seem to be able to finish his dessert, which according to Zsofia is a first.
“Oh Tamas, you look so very tired.” Zsofia says as she gets up from the table and wipes his mouth. “We should probably go.” She says but Tamas shakes his head no and looks over at Stephen. “He’s been busy today and that can wear him out, I think a nap would do him good.”
“Do you want to nap here, Tamas? You can sleep on the sofa if you like.” Stephen offers and Tamas eagerly nods his head yes.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 257) Touches
Stephen enjoys watching this interaction between siblings and it makes him feel good that Tamas has such a loving family tending to him. He himself feels responsible for the treatment of this young man for he understands, but only to a small degree, how difficult it can be to communicate with others.
Even now, with the small moments he and Zsofia have spent together, Stephen still finds it difficult to relax completely around her. It is not that she makes him nervous or feel the slightest bit tense. No, his fear is of messing things up and complicating their new friendship. He actually enjoys her company and it is hard for him to recall ever feeling that way about anyone, not even his ex-girlfriend.
“You are in deep thought again, aren’t you?” Zsofia questions as she touches Stephen’s forearm.
“What?” Stephen asks as he eases his mind out of its wanderings. “Yeah, I guess I was.”
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 256) Happily
“Good afternoon!” Zsofia says to Stephen with a smile in her voice. “I thought you two might be hungry so I brought lunch.”
Tamas immediately walks up to his sister and gives her a hug. She squeezes him in her embrace as she closes her eyes. It is obvious to Stephen how much they love each other and Stephen smiles at the same moment Zsofia opens her eyes. With a relaxed wink, she grins as if knowing what Stephen was thinking.
“Have you been good?” She asks softly to Tamas.
“Ye. . . yes,” he replies as he looks over at Stephen for confirmation.
“We were looking around on the second floor.” Stephen says as he points at the wheelchair they left at the top of the stairs.
“Ooh, Tamas. You went upstairs, how exciting!” Zsofia says in a playful tone. “You have been busy then. Guess what?” She asks as Tamas watches her attentively as if he cannot wait to hear what she has to say. “I brought you a cherry strudel.”
“Ha!” her younger brother yells happily, as he sets his toy truck on the floor next to the entryway; he then begins to clap his hands.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 255) Sprinting
Unable to stop himself, Stephen turns and looks behind them at the empty hall but that does not convince him that they are alone. No, he is sure there is something else here standing just inside the nearby shadows. Rounding the corner and practically sprinting as he pushes Tamas, Stephen sees the large round window and staircases ahead. As they approach the top of the stairs, he hears knocking coming from the entry hall as if someone is at the door.
“I’m coming!” Stephen yells as he helps Tamas out of the chair and to his feet.
The knocking at the main door of the manor has stopped as Stephen helps Tamas, and both men slowly make their way down the stairs. With his young friend beside him, Stephen pushes the bolt back sliding it into the unlocked position and swings the door open. Greeting them with a wide grin is Zsofia.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 254) The Urge
Tamas looks back at the staircase and giggles as he places his hands to his mouth and tries to conceal a very wide smile. Looking once again in the direction of the staircase, Stephen does not see anything odd. Unsure about what has caused such peculiar actions, Stephen begins pushing his young friend, who continues to stay seated in the wheelchair, toward the west hall.
The wheels squeak in an eerie way as Stephen catches himself moving at a faster rate than he normally would. There is tension in the air and each time Tamas looks back and giggles, sharp chills tingle up Stephen’s spine, as he fights the urge to turn around. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the trusty bottle and discretely pops a pill.
This extremely odd feeling seems to consume the air of the north wing and Stephen feels it has presented itself each time he has been here. The images of the skeletal footprints he saw on the dusty floor yesterday, in the very room they are now passing, show clearly in his thoughts. All he wants to do is get Tamas safely downstairs and into a brighter and more enjoyable environment. Not only is this on his agenda, but he knows he must run away from what he feels is approaching or following with each step taken.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 253) A Game
Tamas looks up and smiles as Stephen wheels him over to the entrance of the north wing. Carefully holding the door open with his foot, he maneuvers the wheelchair with Tamas still seated, into the hallway which shares the stairwell of this corner of the manor. Just as Stephen turns to secure the door, Tamas tugs at his arm and points up at the stairs that lead to the third floor. Stephen looks in that directions but does not see anything. Thinking Tamas is indicating he wants to go up to the next floor, Stephen shakes his head no.
“No, I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day.” Stephen states in a lighthearted tone.
This is when Tamas reacts in a very strange way. He Points again at the stairs then shakes his head as if someone said something he did not agree with. Next, he covers his eyes much like a child would if playing a game then looks up and turns, pointing a finger at Stephen.
“Are you alright?” Stephen asks now a little puzzled at this strange behavior.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 252) Delight
Stephen turns in his chair to look behind where the two are sitting when he notices a large wheel mostly hidden amongst the pile of furniture. He walks over and begins to pull the heavy iron pieces away from the wall and to his surprise finds that what he saw is an old wheelchair. He pulls it out and with a slight squeaking noise, pushes it towards Tamas.
“Ha!” Tamas yells as he claps his hands on his knees with excitement.
“Want to go for a ride?” Stephen questions as he blows on the seat and arm rests to remove any loose dust and dirt.
The young man practically jumps into the seat as he laughs happily. Stephen wheels him around in circles and much to his delight Tamas yells the word fun at the top of his lungs. He gets himself laughing so hard tears are rolling down his cheeks and as Stephen slows the movement to an easy push around the room, the young man grabs Stephen by the arm, hugging closely to him.
“Good. . . friend.” Tamas says in a slow and gentle tone almost as if he is about to cry.
“Yes, we are good friends.” Stephen replies as he taps him on the arm. “How about taking a ride back to the front staircase?”
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 251) Too Much
Together, Stephen and Tamas make their way along the second floor until they reach the back most eastern part of the manor. Stepping out onto the open and airy east wing, they look out over the gardens Zsofia had pointed out the day before from the fourth floor. The morning light has created shadowed voids that appear as black holes instead of the evergreens that they truly are.
Tamas seems tired as his breathing is heavier than before and he looks a little pale. Beginning to worry that he may have allowed him to do too much walking and exploring for his own good, Stephen wonders about getting back to the opposite side of the dwelling.
Stephen decides to have him sit on one of the old iron chairs that he found stacked up in one corner. It appears as if it has been there for several years but after clearing off the dust and debris, it does not look bad at all. Together they stare out at the large lawn below them in silence. Morning birds are singing and fluttering by the open room and much to the delight of Tamas, a few are daring enough to fly inside looking for food.
“Are you feeling better now, Tamas?” Stephen questions as watches his friend smile and laugh at the little feathered visitors.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 250) Prism
As Tamas glances around, his demeanor calms and he gazes at the glass as thin beams of light begin to shine in. Laughing aloud and jumping as he claps, the excitement he brings to such a simple thing makes Stephen feel happy and he too finds himself smiling. It is a very simple thing, light streaking across a room in a prism of color, as if cutting through the world. Stephen has seen this affect a million times in many different ways in his lifetime, but today it is different. Today it seems fresh even to him.
“You want to go up to look out the window?” Stephen questions as he helps his young friend over to the staircase.
Tamas places his hand on the stair railing but stops to hand his metal truck to Stephen who quickly places it in the pocket of his jacket for safekeeping. Watching Tamas closely and making sure his footing is solid, Stephen helps him get to the top of the staircase without incident. As soon as they reach the landing, Tamas reaches out and touches the multicolored segments of glass as if this was his lifelong dream. With a wide smile, he looks out through a tiny clear piece at the lush green plants and sparkling water of the conservatory. He then turns and looks at Stephen.
“Thank. . . you.” He says slowly and in a deliberate manner as to not make a mistake.
“You are very welcome, Tamas.” Stephen smiles as he catches himself choking up at how much this moment has affected him.
Pointing down the hallway, Tamas grows quiet as he stares at Stephen as if trying to tell him something. He is not speaking any words as he begins to walk in the direction of the south wing.
“You want to investigate don’t you?” Stephen asks as he turns around and walks with him down the hall.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 249) Walk Upstairs
Stephen does not recall a single time in his life that he was not under pressure or tension or afraid and nervous. Even with his challenges, Tamas never seems to let things get to him. Is it his mindset that he does not comprehend bad or sad moments? Does he not realize how frightening life can be?
“Walk?” Tamas says as he stands up and points out to the entry hall.
“You want to go for a walk?” Stephen asks as he too stands up.
“Yes. . . up?” Tamas replies as he claps his hands and squeals with glee.
“Upstairs? You want to walk upstairs?” Stephen questions as he and Tamas walk out into the entry hall together.
Tamas grins and nods his head as he looks up at the large round window that immediately becomes the center of attention as soon as anyone enters the hall. It is very impressive as it sits over the room between the two large staircases like an eye to the heavens. However, Stephen knows it actually looks out at the massive conservatory that is secretly encased behind the masonry walls of the manor.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 248) Admiration
“Are you laughing at me?” Stephen asks as he stands up playing at being upset with Tamas.
This makes Tamas laugh again and he places his hand on his forehead then shakes his head back and forth while he giggles. Stopping short of going into a full bout of laughter, he looks back up at the tall windows where the dim colors of morning are starting to drift in.
“You like that light coming in the windows, don’t you.” Stephen says as he too looks at the windows but Tamas shakes his head no, as if Stephen is being silly. “Oh okay, so now you’re just really laughing at me, is that it?” He teases as he walks over and sets down on the couch across from where Tamas is playing.
Watching this gentle young man, who is only two years younger than his own age, Stephen realizes he has great admiration for Tamas and his good humor. He is a person with many odds against him, yet he is always pleasant and playful. What must it be like, to spend each day without pressing worries and stress weighing down and smothering the act of living until it becomes too much to bear.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 247) Holds Back
“Are you thirsty?” Stephen asks.
“Yes,” replies Tamas.
“Me too, I’ll get us some water, you stay here, okay?” Stephen says as he stands up.
Tamas grins in acknowledgment at the statement and as Stephen is leaving the room, he turns around to make sure his younger friend is staying right where he is supposed to. Quickly, Stephen walks across the entry hall, through the dining room and into the kitchen.
Sitting on the counter where he left it, is a large package of bottled water. Taking two, one in each hand, he makes his way back to the sitting room to find Tamas happily playing with his toy truck.
“You like that truck, don’t you.” Stephen says as he hands a bottle of water to him and proceeds over to the fireplace to push the cold coals off the grate.
“Truck,” replies Tamas as he twists the lid off the bottle of water and looks up at the windows. “Huh,” he says as if he is about to laugh but holds back.
“What’s that?” questions Stephen as he looks over at Tamas who is smiling as he glances at him.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 246) Childlike
With a quiet laugh, Tamas turns and walks over to where Stephen is sitting. He recognizes Zsofia’s basket and begins to clap his hands with delight.
“That is exactly how I feel about digging into the basket.” Stephen laughs as he flips the red and white cloth back exposing the muffins and breads within.
“Banana,” Tamas says as he gently reaches in picking up a small loaf of banana bread.
“Oh yes, that looks like a good one, let’s see what should I have.” Stephen mumbles as he lifts and tips the cakes around for a better view. “I’m going to go with blueberry.”
Several minutes pass as they eat their way through the first item picked. Due to the rich flavor, Stephen moans with the first bite and Tamas finds this to be very funny, which in turn causes them both to laugh.
“So what should we do today?” Stephen asks of Tamas as they both grab a second baked good.
The young man looks at him and shrugs his shoulders as he chews his food and gazes up at the beautiful ceiling. Stephen watches him and wonders what he is thinking of. His childlike wide eyes are taking in all the beauty of the expressive details as he slowly follows the straight line of the trim that edges the walls of the room.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 245) Starving
Laszlo said he only allowed Zsofia to work here if she stayed in specific areas. Stephen finds this puzzling for what he understood from Zsofia is that his great-uncle set the boundaries. He wonders if Laszlo knows something about the manor that he has not shared, not even with his own family. If Stephen can get a chance, he hopes they will sit down together sometime and discuss the mysterious history here. Tamas waves goodbye to his grandfather, then follows Stephen through the threshold of the manor and into the sitting room.
“I bet you already had breakfast.” States Stephen as he straightens the cushions and pillows on the sofa where he slept.
“Yes.” Replies Tamas as he sits on the sofa across from Stephen.
“Well, I’m starving.” States Stephen and this makes Tamas laugh. “Stay here, I’m going to get some muffins that your sister brought up yesterday. I’m just going across the entry hall, okay?” Tamas nods yes in response and begins to drive his toy truck along the arm of the sofa.
Stephen quickly walks across the entry hall to the dining room and picks up the basket of baked goods. Upon his return to the sitting room, he finds Tamas standing at the wall to the left, under the windows that are near the ceiling.
“What do you see up there?” Stephen questions in a lighthearted way not looking up at the windows that his friend is focusing on.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 244) My Word
Stephen grins at the thought of seeing Zsofia again when she stops by to take Tamas home at the end of the day. He enjoys her company and believes she feels the same about him. As for sampling some of the treats she makes, little does her grandfather realize, he has a basket full of them on the table.
“I ahh. . . I’m sorry that I keep calling you Istvan.” Laszlo’s tone is calm. “Your grandparents always referred to you as such, and I’m not good with the American version.” He says as if he is apologizing for doing something horrible.
“It is alright Mr. Eszes.” Stephen says but before he can continue with his statement, Laszlo interrupts him.
“Please, call me Laszlo, there is no need to be so formal.” He laughs as he pats Stephen on the arm much like an old friend would do, but then he grows very serious as he glances in, once again, at the entry of the manor. “Please promise me you will not let him wander off through the manor alone. In the past I allowed Zsofia to work here but only in specific areas and I would like to have your word that Tamas will not be left alone.”
“Yes, you have my word.” Stephen replies as he thinks about the statement that was just made.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 243) Relationship
Stephen is not clear on the relationship between Tamas and his grandfather. The way Laszlo is holding his grandson’s arm seems a bit harsh but as the interaction continues, the elderly man pulls Tamas to him and the two embrace in a strong hug. Tamas smiles wide as Laszlo kisses him on the cheek and says I love you. The young man then buries his head in his grandfather’s chest and repeats the phrase in a muffled voice.
This touching moment causes a lump to form in Stephen’s throat as he thinks of his parents and grandparents. Even though Laszlo seems harsh and stern at times, it is obvious he is truly a loving man with compassion for his family. During the short span that Stephen has been here and the many occasions Tamas has ended up at the manor, he is sure that raising him has been and can be trying at times.
“Mr. Eszes, I assure you he will be fine and I am more than happy to help.” Stephen states as he pats the elderly man on the shoulder.
“Here, I packed enough food for lunch and snacks for both of you.” Laszlo hands Stephen a soft square cooler satchel that he was carrying across his left shoulder. “Zsofia will be by after work to take him home before nightfall.” He smiles, “If you’re lucky she will bring something from the shop to eat.”
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 242) Toy
“Steee. . . phen.” Tamas states happily, as he jumps up and down then gets distracted as he stops to look at the toy truck he is holding in his own hand.
“Listen to me Tamas, listen,” states Laszlo with authority as he covers the toy with his hand so Tamas will look at him. “You listen to Istvan. . .”
“Steee. . . phen.” The young man corrects his grandfather.
“Okay yes, yes, Stephen.” Laszlo replies as he quickly glances at Stephen then looks down, slightly aggravated and embarrassed that his grandson has corrected him.
“You must promise to do as he says and stay with him, no wandering off. You hear me?” The old man questions as he holds Tamas by the arm.
“Yes,” replies Tamas as he nods his head up and down in a very serious manner as if he is about to cry.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 241) Interactions
“Are you in need of my assistance with Tamas?” Stephen asks and there is a slight pause to their conversation before Laszlo speaks again.
“Yes, I am. I cannot take him with me and with his disabilities,” Laszlo pauses again as he looks at his grandson.
“He can stay with me, sure.” Stephen states as he blurts out his reply without giving it a second thought.
“He can? Thank you.” Replies Laszlo a bit surprised as he grabs Stephen’s hand and begins shaking it up and down in a rapid fashion.
All of Stephen’s interactions with Tamas thus far have been positive. He seems to be a very smart young man with his own way of communicating in which Stephen finds to be easily understandable. That is his perception of him anyway.
“I cannot thank you enough.” States Laszlo earnestly, he then turns to his grandson and explains the plan for the day.
With a wide smile and a high pitch laugh, Tamas looks at Stephen as he walks toward him. The size of his nineteen-year-old frame is only slightly smaller than that of other individuals of his same age. With the height of a man but the mind of a child, he sometimes does not know his own strength. Reaching out he hugs Stephen tightly for a short moment then steps back and laughs again.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
Shadows Of Guta (Excerpt 240) For The Day
“Ah, he’s happy to see you,” says Laszlo in a soft voice. “I hate to do this, especially now that you are staying here,” He looks up at the windows of the building as if he is afraid someone might be eavesdropping so he lowers his tone and says, “but I need a favor.” He looks in the door and glances around at the room and it is clear the old man is on edge.
“Um, okay. What kind of favor?” Stephen questions wondering what in the world this man could possibly need from him.
Stephen understands the elderly man’s curiosity of the manor and his bold attempt at looking inside. After all, he made it very clear the other night, when Stephen walked Tamas home that he wishes the building would fall down around itself. He even went as far as to tell Stephen to leave and never return. Yet, here he is at the manor, asking for help.
“Early this morning I received an urgent call from my sister who is ill. She’s been sick for months and lives about two hours travel time away from here,” Laszlo says as if he is embarrassed, he then glances over at Tamas. “I do not think she will live much longer and with Zsofia at work, I. . . I do not have anyone else to tend to Tamas.” He finally confesses.
Stephen stands there for several seconds waiting to hear more and then realizes Laszlo is trying, in a very awkward way, to ask if he will watch Tamas for the day.
Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved.
To read StorySmitten ebooks in their entirety CLICK HERE to visit Amazon.com
StorySmitten 