A Helping Hand and a Shocking Note: Why My Neighbor’s Message Made Me Sell My House

My Sweetest Old Neighbor Helped Me Unpack & Later, I Found Her Note in the Box – It Made Me Immediately Sell the House

Phoebe finds a little house in a quiet neighborhood and decides that a divorce and a new home will mark the start of her new chapter. She meets a lovely neighbor who has a significant duty for Phoebe as she is unpacking.

I felt a sense of fresh starts and hope when we initially moved into the modest house at the end of Maple Street. Lily, my six-year-old daughter, and I were alone.
After a trying year during which I went through a terrible divorce from Lily’s father and Lily had to adjust to life without him living in the same house, we were finally starting anew.

One evening, she remarked to me quietly, “It’s okay, Mom.” “I don’t like how Dad always shouted at us.”
Then it was obvious that we had to escape.
Mrs. Thompson reminded me of my own grandma as soon as I met her. I felt that coming to live here was the proper choice because of her maternal love.
“Hazel,” she introduced herself as she approached our doorstep with a plate of just-baked cookies. “I’m very happy you’re relocating to the area. That is the house I live in.”
She gestured to the small home that sits right next to mine.

She questioned, “And who is this little girl?” as she saw Lily leap into a heap of leaves.
“This is Lily,” I said, presenting the pair. “We needed a new start.”
Mrs. Thompson insisted on coming over and helping me unpack on the day of our official move.
“No, thank you,” I said. “You’re more than welcome to stay and keep me company, but I’ll do all the heavy lifting.”
She answered, “Nonsense, darling.” She smiled and added, “I’ve got plenty of energy left in these old bones.”

We laughed and talked and rearranged the living room, organized the kitchen, and furnished Lily’s bedroom for the whole afternoon. The difficult chore was made more delightful by Mrs. Thompson’s companionship, and I appreciated her kindness.
With a mixture of thanks and shame, I said, “Mrs. Thompson,” as the elderly woman placed Lily’s books on her bookshelf. “Honestly, none of this is necessary for you to do. Although you’ve been really helpful, I apologize for taking up your time.
“Oh, no, Phoebe,” she waved back in response. “I like having the companionship. And lately, this place has been far too quiet. I rarely go outside since I occasionally experience dizzy episodes. This has also been beneficial to me.”

Mrs. Thompson invited me to come over for dinner as dusk drew in.
She said, “I’ll just throw something together.” “You’ll be living alone in the new house since Lily is with your mother. This way, before you return, at least, I’ll know that you’ve eaten.”
Sitting in her kitchen, I saw her move fluidly, chopping veggies to toss into a pot of pasta. Never before have I felt so appreciative of a stranger.
Upon informing my mother about the divorce, she attempted to encourage me to give Garrett another shot.
She had advised me to “just give it another go, Phoebe.” “You’ll be glad to know that you tried harder for Lily.”

Following that, I only disclosed the divorce to my parents in order to allow them to spend more time with Lily. So it was comforting to have Mrs. Thompson around. Something I was unaware I needed.
When dusk drew near, Mrs. Thompson left, giving me a tender embrace.
She said, “If you need anything, dear, don’t hesitate to ask,” and shut the front door behind her.
Exhausted but satisfied, I made the decision to save the final few boxes until the following day.
“It’s a problem for tomorrow,” I moaned as I headed to bed.
The following morning, when I carried a cup of coffee into the living room, I noticed an envelope resting on one of the surviving boxes.
The recipient was named as “The New Owner.”
I opened it out of curiosity and saw a well-written note inside:

Greetings, New Neighbor
Greetings from your new residence! As I have over the years, I hope you find this neighborhood to be as joyful and comforting. I was unable to tell you in person, but there is something significant about this place that you should know.
You see, the prior owner and I had a unique arrangement about a cherished creature that stays in the basement: Sheldon, an unusual and demanding tortoise.
Sheldon needs particular care because he has lived in this home for many years. After the former owner passed away, I assumed responsible for his care. I told old Raymond I would continue until someone else bought the house.

Regretfully, I’m too elderly to take care of Sheldon any more. And my aim was that you would assume the duty. I’ve witnessed Lily’s happiness as she plays in the backyard and her laughing fills the space.
I didn’t want her to become excited about him if I told you in front of her. I didn’t want to place you in a challenging situation.
Sheldon is kind and a cherished member of the family, but taking care of him takes time and requires specialized skills and supplies. I understand that you already have a lot on your plate as a single mother, so I don’t want to add to your workload when you’re starting over.
Tell me what you would like us to do, please.
Sincerely,
Thompson Hazel

I stood there, trying to take in what Mrs. Thompson had written, the note in my hands. Even though she was sweet and the tortoise was fascinating, I knew I couldn’t handle that type of responsibility.
It was wonderful to think that Lily wanted to look after the tortoise, but I just couldn’t bring myself to take on a duty like that so quickly.
I made the decision to speak with Mrs. Thompson later that day. I moved to the next door and quietly knocked. Upon seeing the note in my fingers, her once-warm smile vanished a little as she opened the door.
“Ah, you found it,” she murmured.

“Mrs. Thompson, I am at a loss for words. I said, “Sheldon sounds amazing, but I don’t think I can take care of him. “Lily and I are the only ones here, and we came here to start again. I can’t take on any more obligations, especially one this rigorous.”
She nodded, understanding and a tinge of melancholy visible in her eyes.
She replied, “Of course, I understand.” I’ve just grown to love him. Did you also know that the tortoise is frequently associated with longevity, immortality, and the circle of life in several cultures?”
I hoped I was doing the right thing when I said, “Thank you for understanding.”
“Please, Phoebe, why don’t you stay for a cup of tea?” she said.
I gave a headshake.

“I’ve got to get back, I’m going to pick up Lily soon,” I said. “Do you think that you could remove the tortoise before I bring her home?”
Mrs. Thompson gave me a nod.
“He’ll be gone before you get back.”
When I returned home, I sat on the couch rather than unpacking the last few boxes and getting ready to pick up my kid.
When I told Mrs. Thompson that I didn’t want the tortoise, there was a certain look on her face. She seemed disappointed in a way that eluded me. However, it was present.

And, being the people-pleaser that I am, I was tired of being there. The new beginning felt less fresh all of a sudden. It had a distinct feel. It seemed as though I had let someone I was getting to know down already.

The next morning, I decided to sell the house and look for a new place where Lily and I could start over, with a heavy heart but with a strong sense of what was best for us.
“Please, no pets,” I informed my realtor. “Lily and I will decide on that when she’s older.”
It was difficult to move out so soon after moving here, but I knew it was the best decision for us.

About Mrs. Thompson, I hope she can find someone who can provide Sheldon with the attention he needs. Regarding us, my goal was to locate a location where Lily and I could genuinely begin anew, devoid of unforeseen obligations.
How would you have responded in that situation?