The Hidden Home: Unveiling Secrets and Surprises of a Retired Actress
Retired Old Actress Didn’t Let Anyone See Her Home for 20 Years, One Day a Little Girl Peeks In
A young child’s lonely life is transformed when she learns that the reclusive elderly woman who lives next door is actually a child star from the 1950s and befriends her.
When May Ryder was barely seven years old, she made the first observation about their neighbour. May sensed something familiar about the attractive elderly woman next door. Where had she seen her face previously?
When May queried her mother, she was informed that their neighbour was a “recluse,” or someone who avoids social interactions and making new friends. “That must be very lonely!” May spoke regretfully. “I wonder if she never wants someone to talk to?”
May’s mother had warned her to avoid the neighbour, but she couldn’t help but watch out for her. When the elderly woman arrived home from her weekly trips to the stores, May made sure she was playing outside in the garden.
“Hello!” would exclaim May. “How are you today?”
The elderly woman paused and gazed at May for the first time. Her voice was rusty when she said, “Are you talking to me?”
“Yes!” exclaimed May with joy. “I wanted to say hi and invite you to tea!”
“I don’t drink tea,” the elderly woman angrily declared. “And I don’t talk to strangers.”
Reasonably, May said, “That only works when you’re the child.” “I’m the kid so it’s OK for you to talk to me.”
“Well, I don’t WANT to!” said the elderly woman as she strode into her home and shut the door in her wake. Naturally, though, May was even more motivated to become friends with her and discover the reason behind the elderly woman’s door being locked.
May began keeping an even closer eye on the elderly woman; one day, she even crept up to her porch and peered in her window. Her eyes shocked her beyond belief! There were many amazing and unusual items in the elderly woman’s home!
May felt something touch her shoulder as she cupped her hands around her face to improve her vision through the dirty glass. She let out a cry and collapsed. Glancing up, she saw the elderly woman staring down at her.
“What are you doing you little sneak?” The elderly woman growled, causing May to break down in tears that streamed down her face. The old woman’s face took on a new look. “Oh no,” she exclaimed. “Don’t weep, please, please! All I wanted to do was scare you.”
Although fame and wealth are lovely, love and friendship are the most valuable things we own.
After helping May to her feet, the elderly woman offered her a firm hug. “I really apologise! I’m an old, grumpy person who’s turned nasty! Please pardon me.
As May recovered from her fear, she said, “Why are you so mean? All I wanted was to have friends.”
Elderly woman sighed. “I guess I feel that if I care about people, if I have friends, I’ll be hurt…”
May gave a stern shake of her head. Promised, “I won’t hurt you!”
The elderly woman said, “I know.” “I tell you what, why don’t you come in and have some cake and tea?” May then entered the enigmatic home that had been undiscovered for more than 20 years.
Her eyes shocked her beyond belief! Large movie posters with images of a gorgeous little girl of May’s age were all around her. They proclaimed, “Giggles McKenzie in ‘The Littlest Princess,’ or ‘Giggles McKenzie in Circus Kid.”
There were glass cases filled with pictures of gorgeous clothes and movie stars that were all precisely May’s size! May said, “WOW! These are AMAZING!” They ought to be seen by all!”
The elderly woman waved her hand and muttered, “Oh, nobody cares anymore!”
May exclaimed, “Yes, they do!” There’s a sizable Giggles McKenzie fan base on the internet, as well as revivals and reruns! For Halloween, kids even dress up like her.”
The elderly woman’s jaw dropped wide. “They actually do? Really? It’s unbelievable to me.” She then grinned, and May knew who she was right away.
“You are it! You are the child star of theatre and cinema, Giggles McKenzie.”
“I was,” the elderly woman sadly replied. “Now I’m just Gail McKenzie, old forgotten and very lonely.”
May questioned, “You didn’t get married?” “Or have babies?”
“Yes,” Gail replied. However, after my husband passed away, my young daughter became ill and passed away as well. Money and fame didn’t help me back then.”
“But you don’t have to be all alone, you know!” replied May. “I can be your friend, and I bet a lot of kids would love to see all your wonderful stuff too!”
Gail grinned, appearing once more like Giggles. “You believe that? I’m not sure. It’s everything so disorganised and dusty here!”
With excitement, May exclaimed, “My mum would help us! And imagine, you could have your own museum!”
The following day, Gail, May, and May’s mother began organising, cleaning, and dusting Gail’s home. Before long, kids were line up around the block to see Gail and view her incredible memorabilia, and everyone was aware that she was actually the well-known Giggles McKenzie.
After learning about it, the neighbourhood TV station sent someone to check out the residence and speak with Gail. They were shocked when Gail invited May over after asking her what her most treasured possession was.
Saying, “This is May, she is my precious and she taught me to value love and friendship again,” she put her arm around her little companion.
What lessons may we draw from this tale?
- Even though we may face difficult situations and painful setbacks in life, we should never give up on love. Gail had closed herself off to suffering, but in the end, she let a cute little girl back into her heart.
- Although fame and wealth are lovely, love and friendship are the most valuable things we own. Gail learned that celebrity and fortune could not shield one from misfortune, but love could mend any wound.
