That House On Maple Street

Homer Acquires a New House

Homer Ackerman, a speculator in real estate, had just purchased the house on 215 Maple Street at an auction. The house had been put up for auction by family when the owners had mysteriously disappeared, never to be heard from again. The names of the owners, had been Bart and Martha Townsend, who had lived in that house for 42 years.

Homer was pleased with his purchase. It was a ranch style house with 3 bedrooms, a den, kitchen, dining room, pantry, utility room, and rear patio with swimming pool. The former owners had maintained the property well. The only thing was that the house had a reputation. A few visitors had some rather strange encounters. Homer was a skeptic and did not believe in such nonsense.

Homer, a divorcee, had devoted himself to real estate for the past 25 years. He was a man who at 45 years of age was almost a look-alike of the actor William Shatner. He had owned up to 10 different properties in the past, but had lost 4 of them to his ex-wife as part of the divorce settlement. His ex-wife, Dorothy had not been able to have children, so there was no problem with custody of minors. This had caused some bitterness between them.

It was on a Saturday afternoon that Homer decided to take a real good look at his new purchase. On arrival Homer got out of his car which he had parked in the driveway and proceeded to look around the exterior of the house. He could see that the lawn needed to be cut and some leaves from the oak tree needed to be raked up. He decided to call Martinez, a free-lance gardener that he sometimes used for odd jobs to take care of that.

Homer had been walking about outside the house when he a noticed an elderly fellow standing at the entrance to the driveway. He seemed to be staring at him and the house. Homer walked over to the man, smiled, and said, "May I help you with something?"

"I am sorry if I am intruding, but this house really gives me a strange feeling. If you knew what had occurred here in the past, you might feel the same. Pardon me, my name is Elmer Micheals and I live in the house across the street." said the man.

"I am aware that Bart and Martha Townsend, the previous owners, had suddenly vanished and never were found. I have also heard rumors that a few visitors had strange encounters. I think that about covers what I know." said Homer.

Elmer, the elderly man, smiled a half smile and said, "I knew the Townsends. They were a fine, upright, retired couple with 2 grandchildren. Everything started to change after I saw that strange meteorite breakup over their house one night. It was a little after midnight one Saturday, 5 years ago when I witnessed this, as I was sitting on my porch-swing at my house. A multicolored meteorite came down, broke up in different pieces, which then broke up into dust particles and fell on top of that house. Each of the pieces that turned to dust had a different color. One was blue, while another was green, and another was red, and the other was violet.".

Homer fought back an urge to laugh and replied, "I thank you for this information, Mr. Micheals. Perhaps we can get together for a drink sometime. Right now, I have some things to do around this property."

"I understand.” said Elmer, "I don't want to be too bothersome. Remember that everything I said is true. Good bye my friend."

"Good bye and take care Mr. Micheals." replied Homer. Homer then proceeded up to the front door of the house, while Elmer turned around and returned to his house across the street. "Strange fella," thought Homer.

Homer unlocked the door and entered into the living room. To the left was a door that led to a hallway, where 2 guest bedrooms and bathroom were located, and to the right was another door that led to a hall which connected the master bedroom, den, and bathroom. In front, was an arch which led to the dining room, kitchen, pantry, utility room, and the rear exit, where there was the patio and swimming pool.

To Be Or Not To Be

In the living room, Homer found a sofa, easy chair, and coffee table that had been left behind. He quickly noticed that there was a build up of dust and some cob-webs on the surfaces and decided to return later with some cleaning equipment.

He then proceeded into to the door to the left, opened it, and walked into the hallway that led to the guest rooms. He entered the first guest room and looked around, closing the door behind him. Propped up against the wall was a broom; otherwise, the room was empty. He could sure use the broom to sweep away some of the cob-webs.

Homer grabbed the broom and immediately felt a strange tingling sensation in his hand. The door back to the hallway had started to glow with a bluish light.

"What is this?" Homer wondered, and he dropped the broom. Everything then returned to normal. The door stopped glowing. He began to wonder. What would happen if he entered that door with the broom?

He decided to try it and grabbed the broom. Again, the same thing happened as before. Even though Homer was apprehensive, he opened the door and immediately noticed that the hallway was gone, and he could hear voices of a man and a woman.

Homer stepped through while holding the broom, closed the door behind him, and found himself in what appeared to be a motel room with 2 beds, and other furniture. To his right, he noticed a woman staring at him, who was half dressed and in shock. Near her, was a big beefy man, who had turned and was now glaring at Homer.

"Hey! What is the meaning of this? How did you get in here?" growled the man. He then started towards Homer in a threatening manner.

Homer decided to leave any way he could. With the broom still in hand, Homer grabbed the door knob behind him, opened the door, walked through and slammed the door closed behind him. He found himself back where he started.

He decided that he had enough for now and dropped the broom. Homer tried the door again and found himself back in the hallway. He was still shaken but relieved that the big fellow had not followed him. How could that happen? He now began to believe the strange stories he had heard about the house.

Homer began to wonder about the other rooms in this house. Could the other rooms have the same effect? Is it possible the former owners, Bart and Martha Townsend, had somehow vanished when they entered one of the doors? Homer decided to do more exploration of the other rooms of the house. He would next check out the other guest bedroom.

What About Guest Room Two?

Homer prepared himself and entered the other guest room. As soon as he had entered, he noticed that this room contained a bed, night stands with drawers and lamps next to the bed, a chest of drawers with mirror, a desk and chair, and a large closet. Above the desk, he could see some shelves with books on various topics. As with the other rooms, the surfaces contained a layer of dust and some cob-webs.

He then took a closer look at the desk and found a small lamp and a small container which held some pens and pencils. Homer picked up one of the pens but nothing happened. He then put it back and opened the desk drawer where he found some unused envelopes and sheets of paper.

On opening the next drawer below the last, Homer could see a brush that had been used for shining shoes. He picked the brush up and immediately felt the familiar tingling feeling he had felt before and the door had a bluish glow. Homer walked over to the door with the brush and prepared to enter. What would he find? Would there be danger? He was beginning to feel a bit nervous as he reached for the knob.

Homer opened the door and entered, where he found a room with rustic style furniture. There was an old style bed with pillow and blanket, a chest of drawers with a vase of water and bowl, an old style desk and chair with an old style kerosene lamp on top and other articles of a period long ago. Next to the bed, Homer could see a bag with handle and a chest in one corner. On the chest, Homer noticed a belt with a holster. In the holster was a six gun.

The room was hot and Homer had started to sweat. He decided to take a look outside to get a better idea of his location. He went through the door into a hallway which led to another room which contained some tables. On the tables, Homer could see plates, various dishes, and silverware. Around some of the tables, sat some men dressed in clothing of the 1800s.

When Homer entered, everyone looked over at him and he heard a few of the men laugh. Homer, who was wearing shorts and flowery shirt, felt out of place.

Suddenly, he heard one of the men say, "Did you forget your britches?" Everyone laughed, Homer's face tuned red and he opened the door and backed out of the room.

Returning to the door in the hall he came out of, Homer tried to open it, but it was locked. "Oh my!" he said to himself. He had forgotten to check the lock when he had gone through.

"Hello. Is there something I can help ya with? I am Nellie Cashman and I run this establishment. I do not recall seeing you here before." said a woman dressed in a long dress and wearing an apron, who had just entered the door that he had backed through. "Sorry for those men. I guess that they forgot their manners, but you are dressed kind of funny.".

She noticed that he had been trying the door to the room and said, "Is this your room?

"Yes it is." replied Homer, "I forgot my key.".

"Alright; I will let you in this time." said the woman who was now frowning. She then walked over to the door, took out a key ring from a pocket in her apron, and unlocked the door. She then watched as Homer entered the door.

Homer, who had been holding the brush, suddenly found himself back in the second guest room of his house. He decided that it would be a good idea to change into something more western before he returned there. By now, he was now wondering what was in store for him in the other rooms of the house.

Feeling the need to relieve himself, Homer visited the bathroom on the other side of the hall. After doing his business, Homer decided to wash his hands and found the sink. Luckily, the water had been turned on by the water company. He looked around and could see that the room had dust and cob-webs. There was a large bathtub with shower, sink with cabinet and mirror, a small linen closet. He noticed a dingy towel that was still hanging next to the sink and picked it up to dry his hands.

Suddenly, he felt that tingling feeling again and the bathroom door glowed a bluish color. "Oh no! Not again!" he said to himself, as he wondered if he was ready for more adventure at this time.

Homer was starting to feel tired and was thinking of returning to his condo on the other side of town, but decided to go through the door with the towel in hand. He had left the brush in the second guest room.

Homer walked through the door and found himself in a vast desert where the could see nothing but sand, rocks, and scrub-brush for miles. He discovered that the door he had just gone through belonged to an old, shabby outhouse. Next to the outhouse, he could see a very large shack that was ready to fall over. The sun appeared to be setting and it was still very hot.

Homer decided to bring his exploration to an end at this time and he returned to the bathroom through the door. He then hung up the towel and departed the bathroom. He was wondering about the desert that he had just seen. What desert was it? He would have to explore more later. Had the Townsends gone through this door and somehow got lost?

He had enough of the house for now and walked out to the front door, where he exited, and locked the door behind him. He then got in his car, drove back to his condo on the other side of his town, Memphis, Tennessee, where the sun was just setting.

All that evening at his condo, all Homer could think about was that house and what lie ahead as the other rooms were explored. He also wanted to explore other rooms he had visited again. He was curious about the first guest room where he had entered a hotel room. Where was that hotel located? Maybe, there wouldn't be anyone in the room the next time he visited. How would he get back in if he left that room? He decided to explore that room further the next time, cautiously.

The First Guest Room Revisited

The next morning; after showering, and having a good breakfast, Homer drove back to the house. This time, he was in more sensible clothing. He had on some nice pants, shirt, and blazer jacket.

On arriving at the house, Homer noticed Elmer doing some work in his front yard. Homer waved at him as he looked over and Elmer waved back. It was about 10 am when he entered the house.

Homer returned to the first guest room and found the broom where he had left it. He grabbed the broom and had the same experience as before. Homer took a deep breath and entered the door.

On entering, Homer noticed a maid cleaning the room. The maid, who was startled, said, "Hey! I thought that this room would be empty. I guess I was wrong.".

"That is alright. Do not worry, I will come back later." replied Homer, who smiled, placed the broom in the closet, and exited the room into a hallway. Homer walked down the hall to a group of elevators. It was there that he discovered he was on the 4th floor. Soon after arriving at the elevator, a man and woman approached and entered an elevator going down. Homer smiled and entered with them, pushing the button marked "ground".

On arriving at the ground floor, the door opened, and he found himself inside a large casino. Immediately, he heard the sounds of numerous slot machines and in the distance, he could see a cage where money was being exchanged.

In order to find out what the date was, Homer walked over to a news rack and picked up a paper. It was dated; August 4, 1998. "Wow! That is 10 years in the past!" thought Homer. At this point, Homer realized that there could be a sure-fire way to make some money. He could return to his time, find out what horses had won at the tracks ten years ago, and use that information to place bets. He would be rich!

Next, Homer took a look around and discovered that he was now at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. Homer, who was now getting excited, smiled and made his way to a bar where he had a rum and coke. "This is great!" he thought to himself, "I am going to really enjoy myself here."

Around him, he could see numerous people moving about and hear the sounds of the slots and the conversations. In front of him, Homer could see a television set that was showing a baseball game.

It was around this time that Homer became more curious about the other rooms of the house that he had left. Where would other rooms take him? Would he be able to find the Townsends? He could always return here later to make some money. He decided to return to the house. How would he get back in the room? He knew that he had come out of room 412.

Homer then thought up a trick to fool the front desk to open up that door. He then proceeded to the front desk to find a middle aged, silvered haired, man called Harry.

Homer smiled and said, "I was visiting my friend in room 412 where I had taken a nap. When I awoke, my friend was gone. I had the faucet in the bathroom on when I got a call from my friend on my phone. He asked me to come to the lobby which I did. After speaking with my friend, he left and I realized that the faucet is still on. Is there any way that you can have someone let me in to turn off the faucet and get my briefcase? I would really appreciate it."

Harry appeared to think about what was said a few minutes, frowned, and replied, "Alright, you look like an honest fella. I will send an assistant with you to open the door. Don't let this happen again, ok?". Harry then turned to a young man and asked him to escort Homer to room 412 to get his briefcase and turn off a faucet. The young man with a name tag that said "Dennis", moved out from behind the counter and Homer followed him.

When the two men arrived at the entrance, Dennis opened the door and they entered. Luckily, the room was still empty. Homer immediately went to the closet where he had left the broom and grabbed it.

Dennis looked at Homer with a puzzled look on his face and commented, "I thought that you were here for a briefcase. What are you doing with the broom?"

"I need it." replied Homer. Homer then walked over to the door, opened it, and was immediately back in the guest room of the house.

Dennis watched as the man took the broom, walked over to the door, opened it and vanished. Dennis, who was now very puzzled, decided not to say anything about this to anyone. He locked up the room and returned to the front desk.

On arriving in the first guest room of the house, Homer looked at his watch and found that it was now 1:24 pm. He now decided to visit the other side of the house where the Master bedroom was located.

Homer Encounters The Master Bedroom

On entering the master bedroom, he noticed that the room had the usual dust and cobwebs, but there was something about the room that was familiar, something from his childhood. There was the large king-size bed that was still made up, larger dresser with large mirror and chair, a chest of drawers in one corner, with a desk and chair in the other corner, a multi-colored carpet on the floor, and a spacious closet. He suddenly had a vision or memory of a woman sitting at the dresser on the chair who was combing her hair. Could this be Mrs. Townsend? She looked so familiar.

Homer had been an orphan and had stayed in an orphanage until he had left high school. He had received a scholarship and gone to the University of Tennessee where he had earned a Bachelor degree in business administration. He had never known his mother or father, except for some faint memories from when he was a toddler of about 5 years of age. Homer's last name, Ackerman had come from the owner of the orphanage, Johnathan Ackerman, who had adopted him. Homer had never known the real name of his father.

He walked over to dresser where he could see a small hand mirror sitting on top. This also looked familiar. Homer picked it up and he again experienced the same tingling of his body. He looked over at the door and it was glowing.

Homer, who now carried the mirror, walked over to the door and entered. He immediately noticed that he had come out of a door of a building that was mostly rubble. It had been a fine building at one time. He could hear someone crying out in a language that sounded German. Above, he could hear the sound of numerous aircraft and now could hear explosions in the distance. This scenario reminded him of programs on World War II that he had seen on television and in the movies.

Homer could now see people running back and forth on the street before him that was lined with bombed out buildings. Two buildings that were down the street, were still burning. Homer finally realized that he was now in the city of Berlin during a bombing raid in World War II. "Had the Townsends come here?" he wondered.

Suddenly, Homer could see a man that was in uniform, walking towards him and shouting in German. The man kept pointing at him but Homer was unable to understand what he was saying. He then watched as the man took the pistol out of his holster and pointed it at him.

Homer decided to get out of there. He turned around and entered the door that he had come out of. Behind him, he had heard a shout and a shot as he entered the door. Homer felt a stabbing pain in his shoulder, but it suddenly stopped as he entered the bedroom. He checked himself but found no wounds.

Who is Martha Townsend?

At this point, Homer started to become more curious about Martha Townsend. He began to look for photographs of her throughout the house and was able to find a faded photograph of a couple on top of the fireplace in the living room. Homer was shocked to find that the woman's appearance resembled that of the woman that he had faint memories of as a child. Could Martha be his long lost mother?

Homer decided that he would have a talk with Elmer across the street. He just might have more information that would be useful. The time was 2:27 pm, so he thought that Elmer may be available.

He proceeded out the front door and walked across the street to Elmer's house. The house appeared to be a well kept house with an old fashioned porch-swing. Homer walked up to the front door and knocked. A short time later, footsteps could be heard approaching on the other side of the door and the door opened.

When the door opened, there stood Elmer who was smiling. "Hello there, Mr. Ackerman. It is good to see you. Come on in, have a seat and sit a while." said Elmer.

Both men then walked into the living room and Homer sat down on a sofa chair. Homer looked around and noticed that everything appeared to be neat and tidy.

"Can I get you a fresh lemonade?" asked Elmer who was still smiling. "Sure." replied Homer, who was feeling thirsty.

Elmer proceeded into his kitchen, and in a few minutes, returned with 2 glasses of lemoneade with ice. Elmer gave Homer one of the glasses and sat down on a couch next to Homer.

"I can see that you have something on your mind. How can I help you?" asked Elmer.

Homer smiled and replied, "I was curious over whether Mrs. Townsend had any children that she may have put up for adoption. Did you ever hear anything about it?"

Elmer looked over at Homer thoughtfully and said, "Yes, I do recall her saying something about being raped while jogging in the park close by here. She had a terrible time with it. She tried to keep the child but it was too unbearable for her and Mr. Townsend."

Suddenly, Elmer's face began to show a surprised and puzzled look. "How would you know of this? She kept this pretty much a secret.", asked Elmer.

"Mr. Micheals, I was an orphan myself. I was kept at an orphanage most of my life. My last name comes from the founder of the orphanage. I never knew my mother and father.' answered Homer. "I have faint memories as a child of a woman that I had seen. I had discovered an old photo of Mr. and Mrs. Townsend and her appearance resembles that memory"

Elmer suddenly took a hard look at Homer and commented, "Oh my! You do have some resemblance to her. It may be a long shot, but maybe a DNA test can be done to determine whether she is your mother."

Homer became puzzled and commented, "You must have been very close to her yourself if she told you about the rape."

Elmer looked concerned then smiled. "Yes, we were very close. I am her brother." replied Elmer.

Homer was surprised at hearing that Elmer was Martha's brother. He now knew why Elmer had such an interest in the house. For the next couple of hours Elmer and Homer chatted. Homer told him about his experiences in the house.

It was now 4:30 pm and Homer had to drive back to his condo. Elmer had expressed a desire to see some of these rooms for himself. They both agreed that they would meet the next day. This time, Elmer would have the opportunity to visit a room for himself. Both agreed that they would not say anyhing about these experiences to anyone else.

Elmer Takes a New Look at the House

It was the next day at 10:30 am when Homer pulled into the driveway. Elmer, who had been waiting for that time with a little apprehension, crossed the street and walked up to where Homer was standing. Elmer was nervous because he really did not know what to expect. He had come to the conclusion that the Townsends had somehow vanished through one of the doors. He suspected that this door had been their master bedroom door as that was the last room that they would have been in.

Elmer smiled at Homer and said, "Good morning. Are you ready for this adventure?"

Homer grinned and replied, "Good morning to you too. I am always ready for an adventure. Are you ready?"

Elmer, who looked a little unsure of himself replied, "I guess that I am ready as I will ever be. I remember the time just before the meteorite incident. I had seen the Townsends that night before the meteorite broke up over the house. I believe that they were in bed when that occurred."

Homer, who had a serious look, commented, "I have a theory on what effects that the meteorite may have had on the house. It appears that whatever was in those rooms at the time of the breakup had been affected somehow. It also appears that the material that had composed the meteor had been some unknown exotic substance that had changed the matter of the house and it contents. Some kind of time-warp field must have formed in the walls of the house."

Elmer came to a realization and replied, "Yes, that's it! The Townsends had been in the house during the breakup so they must have been affected the same as the other objects in the room. Oh my! They must have gone into the past that you described earlier when they tried to leave the room, the time of Nazi Germany."

Homer, who looked concerned, commented, "This means that the Townsends, who had ended up in Berlin, Germany, had died there in the past. What a dreadful time it was. When I went through the door, I discovered that the building that it was connected to had been destroyed by a bomb. That must have been about the year 1943 or so. The Townsends must have gone through about 5 years earlier. The year at that time would have been about 1938. The building must have been still standing at that time."

Elmer replied, "It is a good chance that they did survive initially. Unfortunately, neither one of them knew any of the German language. It must have been difficult for them. They had none of the currency, did not know the language, and were probably still in their night clothes. There is a good chance that they were reported to the police by the citizens and taken into custody. I wonder if there is a way to search the records of that period to determine if the Townsends had been recorded as found by the police."

Homer, who now realized that they had been standing in front of the house, proceeded to the front door with Elmer. He unlocked the door and they both entered the living room of the house.

Homer turned to Elmer, smiled, and asked, "What room would you like to try first?"

Elmer, who still looked unsure of himself replied, "I do not believe that it would be a good idea to pass through the master bedroom door. The period that you described in Germany would be much too dangerous for you or me. You were nearly killed as I recall when you had gone through there. I think that it would be better to launch an investigation of past records of that period. There may be some kind of archive that could be looked at. I do know someone who had lived in Germany at that time and had come to America after the war. His name is Hanz Rath and he lives in Sunset Rest Home on the east side of Memphis."

Homer looked at Elmer with a concerned look and said, "I agree with you. I would not want anything to happen to you. I think that we had better avoid that room for now. We can pursue an investigation like you said. There is another room that I have not tried and that is the den which is across from the master bedroom. Would you like to try that one?"

Elmer who was nervous over facing the unknown, reluctantly answered, "Alright, but we should go together. I am curious but I want us both to be safe."

Homer looked over at Elmer and smiled, "Do not worry. I will do all I can to keep us safe. I too, am feeling a bit nervous over entering that room."

Homer entered the hall to the right and walked over to the door that lead to the den with Elmer following. Homer opened the door and they both walked in. The room had the usual dust and cobwebs. On one side was found a wooden television console with speakers. On top of the console, Homer could see a remote control and an ashtray that was empty. On another side of the room, there were book shelves with numerous books. Near the television console, there were sofas and an easy chair that looked very comfortable. There were also small tables and a coffee table. In one corner of the room, could be seen a desk and chair.

"Nice room." Homer commented.

"Yes it is. Mr. Townsend spent many hours in here. I also spent many hours watching football games with him here. He sure liked football." replied Elmer.

Homer suddenly smiled and spoke in an excited manner, "I got it! I know how to warn the Townsends about the meteorite before the breakup. In the 1st guest room, there is access to a doorway that takes a person to Las Vegas, 10 years in the past. We could go through, make contact with the Townsends at their home, 10 years in the past and warn them."

When Elmer heard this, he became excited and commented, "I believe you have the right idea. If I were to go with you, Martha would recognize me and that would make our story more believable. I think it is a great idea."

Homer suddenly said, "There is one problem. How do we deal with the person that exists as you at that time?"

"I have already figured that out. I will only deal with my other self if I need to. As soon as we arrive at that time period, I will withdraw enough money from the bank so that we can take a flight to Memphis. When we arrive in Memphis, I shall rent a car and take us to the Townsend house where I can confront the Townsends. If everything goes well, the Townsends will avoid being in the house when the meteor breaks up." spoke Elmer.

Homer thought over what was just said and replied, "I believe that this will change the time line. If the Townsends somehow avoid the meteor, that will result in the Townsends keeping the house and I will never get the opportunity to buy the house. My association with you and the house will be erased and my life will change, but I do believe it is worth it. The Townsends will be safe."

"I do believe that you are right. Our present time line would be changed and I will be together with my sister. I would probably have never met you, but I guess it is for the best." answered Elmer.

A look of sadness appeared on Homer's face and he said, "I will have never discovered who my mother was. Well, I think that we should get on with checking this last room. We should start by each of us selecting an item in the room. That should open up the doorway."

Homer and Elmer both took a pen out of a cup that contained various pens and pencils and immediately, the door began to glow.

Homer turned to Elmer who had a shocked look on his face and said, "Follow me."

Homer entered the door and Elmer reluctantly followed. Suddenly, the world that they had known had changed. Elmer was startled to see the Townsends standing in front of him. They looked younger than before and their bodies were kind of transparent. Around them could be seen various wispy figures moving about.

"What is this? Where are we?" cried out Elmer.

Martha Townsend smiled and replied, "You are in what is referred to as the spiritual world. That last door that you entered brought you here. Your bodies are no longer alive."

Martha looked at Homer with a tear in her eye and said, "Yes, I am your mother. I regretted giving you up. Now we can be together."

Epilogue

Two days later, there was a terrific storm with lightning that struck the house, causing a fire that consumed the house. Firefighters who responded to the fire would be totally amazed to see a glowing ball of light leave the house as it burned and fly away to vanish in the sky. During the investigation of the fire, authorities would find the bones of the two men. A son of Elmer Micheals, would later acquire Elmer's house and he would eventually raise a family there. Homer's ex-wife would end up with the remaining properties of Homer after a nice funeral.

End

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