People often wonder about what goes on in the mind of an animal, for example a dog. But they often don’t wonder about other things, for instance trees! I myself am a door. A very lonely old wooden carved door at the entrance to an aged, yet out of the ordinary house. I have had many people walk through me, and live along side me. I can recall decades ago, when this house was full of laughter and joy. When many people bustled in and out of this house, I saw many generations grow up and leave. But then something happened, something I will never forget.

Why can’t people use the door bell? I thought, as a man knocked on the door with a firm but weary hand. I enjoyed listening to the many conversations my family had over the years and I couldn’t resist the temptation of listening to Anna (the owner of the house) have a conversation with the impatient fellow who kept hammering on me. My hearing wasn’t as good as it used to be, especially after the last generation, but I recall hearing the man say with a slightly shaky voice that everyone had to leave immediately; and that a mass evacuation was taking place.

The people in the house went into panic mode and they rushed in and out of the house with bags and packages, like ants gathering food for the colony. I was confused and wondered what everyone was doing. Then it hit me,

literally. They all sprinted out of the house and slammed me shut. When I recovered from the shock I realised they were gone. I had the distinct impression that they were gone forever. I was right…. they didn’t come back. Twang, twang. Bullets rained down on me like rain in a winter storm. I could have cried at the sight of the destruction and loss of life, but unfortunately that was not an emotion a door possesses. The ground was shaking and wailing, desperate voices echoed in my head. No wonder they left. They would have been killed, I then realised that with nobody here, the next couple of years would be dreadfully lonely. I was right. Many years later a few people gathered around the house. A man with a flashy tie started yelling in a distinguished authoritative voice. In the end all I could hear was the word that could change so many lives forever, ’sold’.

From that day forward the house was consumed with laughter and joy. I saw many generations grow up and leave. Just like the previous family. My life once again

was a peaceful one, until the bombs came…… Will my

pain ever end? Or will I once again hear the echoes of
laughter bounce off the walls that uphold me? Only time
will tell in a description of tomorrow.