A single mom took a risky bet, dropping her last $900 on a rundown, abandoned house. What she found inside changed her life for good

She’d spent her entire savings on a house she had yet to see in person. At the clerk’s desk, she carefully counted out $900 with trembling hands. The clerk gave her the ownership papers, an old iron key, and added, This farm used to belong to… Stephanie Brown.

Folks around here just call it the Brown Place. It has its own story. Maybe you’ll discover it yourself.

Anna hurried to pick Alex up early from school. He was surprised. Mom, what’s going on? Anna smiled, still buzzing from her bold move.

We have a house now, Alex. A real house. Alex was stunned, but excitement lit his face.

Really? How did you manage that? I risked all our money. Do you want to see it? He nodded enthusiastically. He hadn’t seen his mother smile like this in a long time.

Anna drove her old car down bumpy roads through the Hartfield countryside. Overgrown fields and scattered farmhouses lined the route. It was early spring, humid and slightly chilly.

As they drove, Anna cautioned Alex. We got it cheap, so it’ll be in awful shape. Don’t be too shocked.

We’ll fix it up. He pelted her with questions. Does it have a yard? Are there trees? Can we get a dog, Mom? There’s plenty of land where you can run around and plant things.

Maybe later, when we’re more stable, we can get a dog. Anna’s tone was cheerful, but unease gnawed at her. She had yet to see the place in person, and worried if it could ever be suitable for her asthmatic son.

After about 40 minutes, the GPS led them down a narrow dirt path, where tall grass nearly swallowed the track. The house came into sight, far more dilapidated than in the photo. Peeling white paint, exposing the gray wooden boards.

Broken windows boarded in spots. The front porch sagged precariously, propped up by rotting beams. Weeds ran rampant right up to the steps.

Alex’s eyes widened. Mom, it looks like a haunted house. Trying to reassure him, Anna said, yes, it’s scary, but it’s ours.

They sat in the car for a moment, quietly taking in the sight of this new home. Finally, Anna breathed deep. Let’s go see the inside.

She inserted the old key into the rusty lock. The door stuck, and she had to shove it hard to open. A musty odor rushed out.

Humidity, mold, and the smell of animal traces. Soft light from a broken window revealed the dusty, cobwebbed wooden floor, scattered with debris. Turning on her phone flashlight, Anna guided Alex through the mess…