Compared to the majority of houses in the area, it could be said that the structure looked out of place. The ground it was set upon contributed to its foundation, as it sat the farthest away from the small community within the countryside, near a hill, and closest to the direction for those wishing to travel away from it. This was the usual scenario. Few wished to approach the house. Most of the people who lived there assumed the inhabitants were wealthy yet mediocre among their own kind. From the looming sight of it alone, a passerby might have thought it did not belong there—perhaps an edifice that should have been taken down years ago, or simply, that the household was tone-deaf to the customs of their neighbors.
Those who were reproachful narrowed their eyes at the mere thought.
“A strange family, those people. If anything, it is only the son who wishes to associate with us. Even he is embarrassed of their circumstances. No wonder he is usually seen fleeing to the city. He comes back, albeit weeks after.”
Some, more sympathetic, chose their words carefully.
“Are we not strangers all the same? It is only they who have remained that way. Opportunistic, that’s for certain. Yet those who seek opportunity, aren’t such recluses.”
Yet being ignorant was not the answer, nor was it a structure belonging to days of old.
It had been merely seven years ago when a group of men from the city decided to cut down a large portion of trees near the hill with an intent to vacate the area for the house. Days later, another group followed with at least twenty carts of stone bricks and ten more carts carrying lumber that undoubtedly came from the thicket of trees felled a few days prior.
No one approached these workers, as they spoke languages foreign to the townspeople. The locals interacted only with the architect, who typically oversaw the construction until its conclusion.
It had been quite a spectacle for the small community, as they were not accustomed to such noise. Activities like that were more common in urban settings. One might find solace in isolation, especially in their later years. Those who chose to remain in the rural land had opted for a quieter daily routine.
Nevertheless, while some found themselves irritable and restless, many were fascinated by what was happening. Some families even took the time to watch the construction of the house, occasionally asking the architect about the house itself, the people who would soon occupy it, and why they had chosen to settle in such a secluded place.
During these periods, a child had wandered to a smaller cart and questioned the man in charge. In response, he allowed her to keep one of the items from the convey. When she returned to the townspeople, they noticed she was holding an oyster shell—translucent, yet not as clear as glass. This puzzled many, as there was no sea, or any body of water, within miles of the area.
“Capiz,” the architect replied when asked about the shells. “To be precise, Capiz shells.” He held one up for the attentive crowd to see. “These are more common in my homeland, and it cost a small fortune to transport them here. They will be used as window panes.”
“These are not exactly native objects then, Mr. Santiago?” asked an older man, who had stopped by to watch the construction. “It reflects a distinct culture, this entire procedure. I’m not suggesting that the structure is displeasing, quite the contrary.
The architect remained steadfast. “Indeed, sir. My clients were very particular about the details of the house. Much more will be brought once they are fully settled.” Musing to himself, he added with a light chuckle, “In all honesty, I was almost taken aback by the cost.”
“No doubt,” the old man replied, glancing at the house. “I assume these people hold quite a bit of prominence?”
Santiago nodded. “Quite so. It’s for an older gentleman who wishes to feel more at home. We’re old friends, and I was sympathetic to his situation.”
A younger, though rather blunt, man folded his arms. “Given the size, I’d surmise this house is intended as part of a retirement plan. Our soon-to-be neighbors remain unknown since you did not even bother to disclose their names.”
A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd, typical for such a community.
Santiago frowned. “I would have assumed that word would have gotten around. Perhaps I underestimated his prestige.”
“Whom exactly do you speak of?”
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