The next morning Ella woke just after 9am, pushed back the duvet and swung her legs to the floor. Already she knew it was going to be another magnificent day ahead. The sun was beaming through the gap in the curtains, leaving horizontal patterns across the carpet. Sliding back the curtains, she stared at the splendid view. What could be more glorious than waking up to the view of Heartcross Mountain? She pushed open the window and breathed in the air before pulling on an oversized jumper and wandering into the living room.

Callie was already sitting out on the balcony reading a newspaper. ‘Good morning!’ She gave Ella a huge smile. ‘Did you sleep well?’

Ella sat down opposite and smothered a yawn. ‘Ha, look at me, still yawning – but yes I slept well.’

‘I’ve slept well every night since arriving in Heartcross – it must be the mountain air.’ Callie nodded to the breakfast laid out on the table. ‘Help yourself. There’s cereal, croissants, fruit, and tea in the pot.’

Breakfast was a small feast and Ella reached across the table and grabbed a croissant from the basket, along with the pot of strawberry jam. ‘Is that Dolores, singing already?’ Ella swung a look over the balcony and saw Dolores sitting below at the table and chairs on her veranda. Fred was chirping away in the cage on the table whilst McCartney was curled up on her lap. Dolores was belting out a song like she didn’t have a care in the world.

‘Every morning, without fail.’

‘She has got a pretty amazing voice,’ remarked Ella, tilting her ear towards the balcony.

‘The dog thinks so,’ joked Callie.

Ella laughed, pouring herself a glass of orange juice from the carton. ‘So, what’s the plan for today?’ Ella was curious to get out and explore Heartcross, maybe meet some of the locals too.

‘It’s up to you. We could wander around Heartcross so you can get your bearings. There’s The Boathouse, which is perfect on a day like today. I’ve got the day off work, and we do need to go over to The Lakehouse to pick up your uniform ready for Monday at some point, but you choose. We can do whatever you want to do.’ Callie folded the newspaper and pushed it to one side. ‘And the postman has pushed this through the wrong door by mistake – it’s a letter for Dolores. I’ve got a little bit of paperwork to do, but apart from that I’m all yours.’

‘I’ll have a shower and drop the letter into Dolores’,’ offered Ella. ‘And once you’ve finished your paperwork we can go and do some exploring.’