She wheeled her trolley through each aisle, picking up the staples: bread, margarine, pasta, sauces and double-choc Tim Tams. She noted the different brands of items and was surprised by the variety on offer in such a tiny place.

When she got to the register she was greeted by a young man.

‘Afternoon, ma’am.’ He nodded politely.

‘Hi.’ She cast her eyes down.

He rang up the total and gave Nicole her change and receipt.

She walked across the wide road lined with old buildings protected by overhanging awnings painted in different shades of pastel. There was a hairdresser, a bakery and a gift emporium where, according to the window display, you could find wares to amaze even the fussiest of recipients.

At the end of the long street was a park of manicured green grass dotted with dark wooden benches and tall bottlebrush trees that offered shade.

Nicole spotted the hardware store, Trevor’s Tradies, and entered, taking her list out of her pocket. She moved quickly through the rows of shelves, grabbing only what was on her list.

‘You must be the new resident of Ivy Wilson’s cottage.’ The volume of the overly cheery checkout woman’s voice made Nicole drop her paint scrapers onto the counter.

The woman continued, her red curly hair bouncing with each emphatic nod. ‘So nice someone’s in there finally. You know, that place used to be the pride of the cove.’

Nicole forced a smile. The run-down cottage she’d stumbled across on the internet being the pride of anything was a strange concept.

‘All it needs is some TLC.’ The lady’s smile was full of warmth. ‘I can’t believe they found anyone to rent it given the state it’s in.’

‘It does need some work,’ Nicole said, nodding. ‘Can you tell me where I can find mould remover?’ She looked around.

‘Aisle three.’ The older lady at the next register butted in. Cheryl, as her bright yellow name tag indicated, waved her hand towards the back of the shop.

‘Yes, well, you’ll probably be needing that, won’t you? That place has been shut up for so long now.’ The redhead stuck her hand out. ‘I’m Mandy, by the way. Welcome to Rosella Cove.’

Nicole shook her hand briefly. ‘Nice to meet you.’

Mandy helped her load her things into the car, not stopping for breath as she offered up her son to help with the garden if Nicole needed it. That yard was in quite a state, after all.

Nicole thanked her for her help and drove off. In the rear-view mirror she could see Mandy watching her all the way up the long street.

Nicole moved slowly around the cottage. In the dappled afternoon light, she took in the sight before her. A thorough clean had certainly helped.