PAMELA AND THE ENCHANTED ROOM (Mark Debrest)

  My grandmother used to tell me that in the late seventies lived, in a beautiful house on the outskirts of London, the Henderson couple with their two daughters: Corinne and Amy.

     Mr. Henderson, because of his work as a trader, spent long periods of time away from home therefore it was almost always only his wife and daughters in the house.

     The two Henderson sisters were nothing alike. Corinne, tall, beautiful, slim, blonde- haired, a little bossy with her sister contrasted with this one, seven years younger, well, she was short, plump and very funny. Being fourteen years old corinne didn't find sharing her room to-be much fun, althought it was a huge and very pretty one. The walls, painted in soft yellow, gave a pleasant feeling of brightness and joy; the roof and the skirting boards were white There were two big walnut wardrobes which were parallel arranged with the two beds and in front desks and some shelves. Not one single doll would fit on Amy's shelves (she also had them on top of the wardrobe) and on Corinne's shelves were study books. Between the two beds there was an Indian rug gift from her father, and a bedside table with a lamp. The two windows were large, white and covered by curtains of the same color.

     What happened at the end of March of that year was something very strange and fantastic and for the very sensitive minds extremely childish.

     That Friday evening, it was raining in London and both of the Henderson sisters were in their room. Corinne was studying for the next week's exam, Amy, on the other hand, was playing with her dolls.

-Would you shut up already, Amy!

-I am talking to my doll.

-Again?

-Yes -the smart and talkative girl answered seriously. -Like usual, Pamela didn't make her bed today, and I was telling her off, isn't that what you always do to me when  I'm not making mine?

     Corinne, who didn't share the same preference as her sister for the dolls, didn't understand how Amy was having such a good time with them. Sometimes she would think about the complex and strange children's world, where dreams and fantasies could become reality.

-She's my most troublesome doll - said Amy seriously.

- How silly! -she said to herself. -Look, don't distract me as these math exercises are very difficult. This chapter of geometric progressions is giving me a realll hard time.

-And what are the geometric progressions? - asked Amy.

      For a moment her sister looked at her in surprise."And why would this girl want to know about the meaning of geometrical progressions!" But she wanted to explain it as best she could.

- I don't know how to explain it to you, Amy. Sometimes definitions can be more difficult than the exercises. Let's see, let me think -Corinne recalled for a moment - Let's see, let's see...yes, I know, look: given a sequence of numbers, we must discover what relationship exists between them. For example, if we have the numbers 1,2,4,8 and 16, the progression is double.

-Double? -she cried out in surprise.

-Yes, double.

-The strange things you study. The truth is that it seems quite difficult.

- Tell me about it.

-Study Corinne, study -she encouraged her- I will talk more quietly to them.

-Thank you! What a great afternoon awaits me - she sighed anxiously.

     The rest of the day passed normally. when bedtime came, both sisters said goodnight; but Amy also greeted her dolls with these words.

-Sleep well! See you tomorrow!


                                                                   *      *      *

     The next day, the rain wouldn't cease. Both sisters remained at home and in the evening returned to their room. They did the same thing they did the day before.

-Corinne, get some rest, dear, -said Mrs. Henderson, of enormous physical resemblance to her eldest daughter.

- I can't mother. This exam is nightmarish and it's giving me a hard time. Just look at the exercises! And you know that next week I am busy with the preparation of the theater play that we're doing at school.

-You're right; but if you would change the activity and distract yourself a little, it would be easier for you to resume your studies.


- Would you like to play w'ith me, Corinne? -Amy asked hopefully.

-No, you annoying girl -she shouted.

-But it's so much fun. Today we will prepare a great snack. Pamela already has permission to come. Look at the plates and mugs mum brought for me the other day Aren't they pretty? You would have so much fun...

-I don't want to play with the dolls. With my intelligence that's the last thing I want do.

     And immediately she got up from her armchair and left the room for a moment.

-Honestly, mother, I do not understand why she doesn't want to play.

-You must understand, Amy, that not everyone has the same preferences. Don't bother
your sister anymore and help her with whatever you can. Alright?

-Alrighiiiiit -she answered sighing.

     And like this they spent another afternoon.Lafer they had dinner and after staying for a little while in the living room they headed to their room. Poor Corinne was exhausted.

-How are you? -said Amy a little worried.

-Tired, very tired -she replied, I think I'll sleep immediately. It feels so good to be in bed.

-See you tomorrow, Corinne. May you have sweet dreamsl

-See you tomorrow, little sister!


     A radiant day sunrised. It was about timel When Corinne woke up, she didn't want to get out of bed. It felt so good being in it, without doing anything, loafing: but she had to get up because she knew what was waiting for her: to study for the math exam.

-I am still so sleepy! -exclaimed Corinne while she lazily lifted her hands.

     Leaning her head to her left, she took notice of Amy who was also in bed with a somewhat puzzled expression. She had her eyes wide open and her hands behind her head. She never saw her like that.

- Have you woke up already?

     But her sister did not answer her.

-I am talking to you, Amy -she said again raising the tone of her voice.

     Amy was quiet, baffled and shocked by what she was seeing.

- Can you know what are you looking at? -she shouted at her to see if she responded.

-At Pamela- she finally answered without showing any reaction.

-Who?

-Pamela, my doll. She's on your top shelf.

     Corinne could not believe what her eyes were seeing. All her books were on the floor perfectly ordered in four columns and on the top shelf, in the centre, a doll.

- But can you tell me what have you done, Amy? -she said angrily This is not funny. I'll tell mum.

     The young lady got out wearing a nightgown and headed to her mother's bedroom. Few moments later the two of them came.

-Amy, why have you done this for?

-Do what, mother?

-You know what. All these books are on the floor and that doll up there. Don't you know you could have fallen from the ladder and hurt yourself.

-But I haven't done anything. I was sleeping and when I woke up it was already up there.

-You're a liar, Amy

-No, mummy.

-Well, -said Mrs. Henderson, -what we could do now is calm down a bit and forget about this matter, alright? With such a beautiful day it would be a pity not to go fo a walk. The truth is I don't know what could have happened -continued Mrs. Henderson looking at her youngest daughter somewhat archly.

     When they returned from their walk, around one o'clock, before eating, Amy went back to her room, well, she was quite intrigued by what she had seen. She looked again at Corinne's shelf and made a strange, doubtful face ... but finally she thought she guessed. It didn't take long for her sister to come.

-What are you doing, Amy?

     This one, who continued looking at Corinne's shelf, remained silent. Her sister, thinking her sister was feeling sorry, told her somehow patiently.

-Looking at Pamela again? The things one has to suffer for a sister. It's fine! I forgiiiiive you. Come on, let's take her out of there and place the books.

     But Amy didn't move. Her face shorled no emotion and a phrase that her sister wanted to hear came out.

-Look Corinne, there are two more dolls.

     The young lady moved her head slowly towards the shelf. No, what was happening couldn't be true. There were two more dolls, each one next to the first one.

-Once again I am going to tell mother about this - said Corinne furiously This is going too far.

     And grabbing the ladder from the room she went to the kitchen where her mother was preparing lunch.

- Mother, Amy placed two more dolls in my room. Could you tell me what's the matter with her? What game is she playing?

-I don't know -she answered while taking offthe apron.

-Don't you find her behavior a little... strange lately.

-I don't see something in particular going on with her.

-Well, if it wasn't Amy who put them, you tell me who did.

-I will talk to her right now, Corinne.

     Both of them went up to the girl's room. Mrs. Henderson was already slightly surprised.

-Amy -her mother told her off, -what you're doing to your sister is not nice.

-But I haven't done anything to her, mother- she answered sadly.

-But I haven't done anything to her, but I haven't done anything to her -Corrine said angrily - this is all you can say. So tell me, who was it? Just wait until father comes back from his trip.

-The best thing we could do now is to pick up the dolls and put them back in place. And the books too. Where is the ladder?

-In the kitchen, mother. I took it down so Amy couldn't climb it.

-Good, well, bring it back again.I am going to my room for a second. Amy, come with me.

     Corinne went to the kitchen and when she came back with the ladder, her mother and sister were already in the room.

-I'm bringing the ladder. So, shall we start?

     This time, neither Mrs. Henderson nor her little daughter said a word. Both of them looked towards the shelf in astonishment.

-What's happening now?

-Look for yourself - answered her mother, who suddenly sat on one of the beds, very scared and nervous.

     On the shelf there were nine dolls of the same style.

-Mom, I think I'm going to faint, - Corinne said very upset.

-Me too.

-I don't understand why do you have to faint? -Amy asked not understand anything.

-Don't you realize that there are more dolls now than before and none of us put them there. How could they got up? -said her mother.

-Well they did -she replied with conviction.

-But that can't be possible, sweetie. Don't you see they're only dolls and they can't move like us.

-That's what you always say to me; but I know they can do it. If not, who?

     Mrs. Henderson went for a moment down in the study to make a phone call. Within five minutes she ordered her daughters to come down to the living room and when they arrived they sat on the couch.

-Who are we waiting for? -Corinne asked.

-One of your grandmother's acquaintances. Ms. Prudence - her mother answered.

-The medium?

-And how do you know that? -she responded in surprise. We never talked about her in front of you.

-I once heard you talking with grandma about this lady. I don't like having a psychic, witch or whatever she is in my room.

-You'll change your mind when you'll meet her. She's a serious lady and very well- mannered.

     After a few minutes the doorbell rang.

- I am sure it's her, weagreed on two o'clock.

     Mrs. Henderson went to the door and opened it. She could see a tall, thin, very thin woman, with gray hair tied in a bun behind her head. Prudence, which was not her real name, belonged to one of the most distinguished families in London. Her great sensitivity was discovered by another medium and she turned out to be much better than her discoveter, at least people thought so.

     She was dressed in a gray robe too large for her. She looked very refined and her voice turned out to be as childish as nice.

-Mrs. Henderson?

-Yes, that's me. You must be Ms. Prudence, am I right?

-Indeed.

-And these two lovely girls are your daughters if I'm not mistaken.

-Yes, they are.

     The girls were already up from the sofa. Corinne was observing curiously the newcomer. She could not restrain herself from asking:

-Are you a witch?

-Corinne, your manners! -her mother got upset.

-Oh, Mrs. Henderson, don't you worry, I am used to it. No, I am not a witch, child. I just dedicate myself to spiritualism.

-How scary!

-You don't have to be afraid of the dead but of the living, dear.

     Amy remained silently. She didn't understand a thing they were talking about.

-A bit of coffee, Prudence?- Mrs. Henderson said.

-No, thank you -she kindly replied -Please, I would like you to explain to me what exactly happened in this room.

     The explanation of the events lasted approximately ten minutes. Prudence summarized them aloud:

-So, they always appear on Corinne's shelf when no one is in the room. The time of the doll's appearance ofthe doll is not precise a day, an hour...

     The woman then turned to Amy:

- How many dolls do you have altogether in the room?

-Eighty-three, Mrs.

     Prudence exclaimed enthusiastically:

-Brilliant; brilliant, the event might be repeating.

     It was a little curious that Amy had so many dolls, but not all of them were hers. Some were from family members, who when they got older didn,t know what to do with them and gave them to her. Others were presents from her friends and acquaintances who knew about her great love for them, others, simply, were bought by her mother or father.

     They were of different styles and eras, and from almost all parts of the world. Big and small; antique and modern. Pamela was her latest acquisition. There was no doubt that Amy was a doll's fan. The truth was that the room impressed greatly with so many dolls all together.

-So at first just one appeared - the woman continued more calmly -then two more which makes three, and now, nine.

     And suddenly Corinne shouted anxiously.

-Mother, mother, for sure...for sure now there will be twenty-seven dolls! Triple!

- Twenty-seven? -replied her mother in surprise.

-The progressions! -Amy exclaimed happily.

-Which progressions? -asked prudence.

-The ones I was studying in the room when all this began, I told you, the progressions chapter, the geometric progressions.

- I see.

-I gave an example to my sister which came of double and now -she started weeping,-I am sure it will become...triple.

     Corinne started crying.

-Calm down, calm down, child, everything will sort out. Prudence is here to help us.

-Of course, everything has an explanation -this one cheered her up.

-I suppose -she answered still weeping.

-Well - Prudence said with determination -it's time to see this famous room, isn't it?

-Yes -said Mrs. Henderson resigned -Come on, girls, give me your hand and let's walk Prudence. It's over here. Follow me, please.

     The four of them slowly climbed the stairs that leaded to the first floor. Mrs. Henderson said with certain fear:

-It's the back room, on the right.

-Would you like to go with me? -asked Prudence casually.

-Yes, I will -Amy said without having any doubts.

-Well, well, it looks like the small one is not scared.

-Neither am I -replied Corinne already calmer.

-Well then! Let's all go inside and come what may- Mrs. Henderson said.

-Ready? -Prudence asked in a very soft voice.

     And she opened the door... Indeed, there were more dolls.

-Let's count them -said Mrs. Henderson

-There's no need, mother, I am sure there will be twenty-seven. They already have taken another shelf.

-Yes, there are twenty-seven -replied Prudence who quickly counted them. Corinne exploded hysterically. The impact was tremendous for her.

- I'm changing the room right now! It's haunted! Possessed!

-Calm down, my child!

-To calm down? -she shouted. As soon as we get distracted eighty one dolls will come into sight, three times twenty-seven.

     Prudence, who remained silent, asked Mrs. Henderson with certain sadness:

-Could the girls leave the room for a moment, please? There's no need for them to go down, they can stay here in the hallway. It's that I don't want them to hear what I am about to tell you.

-Come, girls, it will only be a minute-she said as she looked a bit puzzled at Prudence.

     This closed the door softly and asked in a melancholic tone of voice:

- Has there been a murder in this house before you lived in it?

     Mrs. Henderson remaind petrified at this question; but got relieved by her answer.

- No. We were the first to live here.

     Prudence began to move slowly around the room while she inspected. She placed her hand on a beautiful chiffonier..

-Perhaps the presence of a creature who would like to talk to your daughters.

-I don't believe to Corinne -Mrs. Henderson said seriously .Unlike Amy, my daughter does not like playing with dolls.

-But they showed up on Corinne's shelves - she immediately answered while staring at her face. Could you be kind and leave me alone for a few minutes, Mrs.? And don't get scared, please. I am going to see what is happening ... in this room.

     When Prudence was alone, she closed her eyes, took very deep breaths and said loudly, in a tone between theatrical and transcendent:

- "Show yourself, show yourself creature! - Prudence understands you and begs you to manifest!"

She raised her arms and her body looked like butterfly wings that would shake at any moment.

-Your games must stop! Do you want something? Are you in danger? Tell me! Answer! Show yourself, I am telling you, manifest at once ...!

     Outside, in the hallway, the three looked at each other quite astonished. At the end Corinne tolerate it anymore and asked her mother:

-She's not crazy, isn't she?

-No, honey; although, when she works, she might seem crazy.

-I'm getting tired -Amy said -There is no spirit in our room.

     And in a clear voice, slowly, leaning on each syllable, she added:

-There were my dolls.

- If you repeat that Amy, I will not speak to you in a week, do you understand!? Corinne replied angrily.

- Could both of you shut up and wait for Mrs. Prudence to come out -their mother said
angrily while she was trying to hear what Prudence was saying.

-Sorry, mummyl

-I'm sorry too, mother. I'm so nervous that I don't know what I'm saying or doing anymore.

     Leaving the room, Prudence, a little tired, told them her impressions:

-Sorry to say, Mrs. Henderson; but I don't find any presence in this room. There is no spirit, no higher energy.

- Are you sure? asked Mrs Henderson with resignation..

-Completely. This room is free of benign and malignant spirits. I'm so sorry. I do not
know what may have happened -she sadly sentenced.

- Do you think it's a... dangerous room?

-I don't think so... no, I don't think it's dangerous.

     But from the tone of her words one could sense insecurity. Or ignorance. Then Amy wanted to talk; buts he was silent.Why, if no one would believe it!

     Mrs.Henderson walked Prudence to the hall door and said goodbye, but one could see something was on her mind. The woman was totally baflled by all of it. Then she went with her daughters to the salon and they sat down without saying anything for a few seconds. I did not know what to do.

-When your father comes will talk very seriously, girls.

-In the meantime can I sleep in other room, mother?- Corinne said.

-Certainly, my dear.


- Not me, mother -Amy said, I want to sleep in my bed. All this matter is starting to get me tired and bored. Can I go up in my room for a moment, mother?

-l don't know. Amy.

-Pleeeease- she begged her.

-Fine, but come back immediately, do you understand? -she said to her seriously.

-Yes, thank you mummy.

     Amy ran up to her room; the truth was she got tired by this matter. She closed the door wiih energy and then headed to her sister's shelves while she defiantly was saying to her dolls:

-Your game which I thought to be funny at first it's not funny anymore. My sister is very nervous because of everything that's happening and my mother is very preoccupied. If you continue with this joke I will see myself force to take drastic measures. I will give you away. And you wouldn't be together. No more games without my permission. No more surprises and behave once in for all. We are going for a walk now. I am giving you ten minutes to fix everything, if not, you know what is waiting for you.

     And that being said she once again headed to the living room. Her expression changed in that moment and she happily said to her mother.

-I already talked with them.

     Corinne made an angry face and wanted to tell her off but her mother steped in front on purpose:

-Let me see them for a moment.

     In the room the twenty-seven dolls were still there. Mrs. Henderson sadly thought
that changing the address would be the most logical thing to do. And with such a
beautiful house!

-Why don't we go for a walk, mother? Amy said cheerfully.

-Good idea. I think it will do good to us all. Are you coming along, Corinne ?

-Of course -she answered,-I am not thinking of staying here by myself.

-You will see how everything will work out, don't you worry- the little one simply insisted.

-Come, let's go already, girls. I am so nervous! This is worse than a nightmare.

     The three of them left the house and took a long walk to calm down. The fear took control of Mrs. Henderson and her eldest daughter. A fear that w-as grow-ing. She did not understand how Amy was so cheerful, so happy, perhaps because she was not aware, like she was, of what was really happening.


                                                                            *     *      *

     Upon returning home, in the hall, Amy told them with firm voice:

- For sure the room is now perfectly tidy. Would you like come with me? Please, Mother.

-Amy, dear. I don't think anything changed.

-Why don't you never listen to me? I am telling you everything will be in its place. I
talked to them and they promised me they will tidy it up.

-Amy!

-Corinne, shut up- her mother told her off -don't make me more nervous. Well, let's go
up, honey. I don't know what to think anymore.

     Mrs. Henderson expected to once again see all the twenty-seven dolls sitting on the two shelves or worse yet, to stare at the eighty one dolls, that she no longer knew where they could fit.

-I am going to open -said Amy when they were in front of the door. And, as if it were a
game, she started to say. ready, set, gol

     And she opened the door.

     Everything, absolutely everything was in its place. Mrs. Henderson and Corinne uttered a dry and loud cry, and Amy, while shaking her head gently, said slowly and with satisfaction:

-I knew it was "they".

     And sighing she simply said to her mother:

-I am hungry.

-Hungry? -her mother answered still puzzled and scared by everything she had seen. As you wish, sweetie, but you will eat alone, in the kitchen. Your sister and I are not hungry, right Corinne?

-Yes, mother -she responded nervously. -All this was incredible. What could have happened? -And why in my room?



     When the night came and everything was peaceful, Mrs. Henderson knocked on her daughter's door and entered. She saw Corinne sleeping peacefully, so then she said goodbye, in a low voice, to Amy, who was still awake.

-Is everlthing all right, child?

-Yes, mother, everything is fine. Have a good night. See you tomorrow.

-See you tomorrow, darling.

     Mrs. Henderson headed slowly to her bedroom. She didn't understand anlthing of what had happened, anything. And sometimes it's better to forget... She ordered her daughters not to talk about this matter with nobody not even with their father, well it was a case hard to believe and comprehend.

Amy, in bed, was looking at Corinne's shelves. "The days we spent!"-she said to herself. But as she turned towards the window ... she found Pamela, who was sitting on the side of her big pillow.

-But Pamela, what are you doing here? -she said in a low voice ...-What do you want!... To forgive you?...But of course, however, you have to be a less troublesome doll. The things you and your friends made! I forbid you to do it again. I don't know from where your leadership skills came from. If I'm selling you, you say? Well, of course not silly, not you or the other dolls. How will I entertain myself then? I was forced to say that to see if you reacted once in for all. My mother and my sister were so worried. As if I didn't tell them clearly. There were my dolls.........But nothing. It's sad that sometimes grownups don't take us seriously. It is a terrible injustice.

-Who are you talking to, Amy? -said Corinne, who was half awake.

-Oh, nobody. I was talking by myself -she responded while winking her left eye at her most naughty doll.