I’m sitting alone in the lunchroom for now – the others have all popped out for various reasons. None of which I was really listening to. My phone beeps with a notification. It’s a text from Carl. I take a deep breath. This is the first communication since our kerbside discussion about the open house … and the key.

I’ll drop the key back later on – as instructed. I’m conducting the second viewing now – the one I informed you of – so it seemed silly to give it back before. I’ll let you know how it goes. Carl.

My adrenaline surges as I access the SmartRing app. I hope he’s not lying. Why would he, though? My mind immediately fills in the answer: because he’s lost your key and is buying himself some time. I stare at my empty doorstep, willing him to come into view.

Please don’t be lying.

Relief crashes through me like a huge wave as I see Carl. His head is lowered; he’s pocketing his mobile phone. Then he takes a step up to the door, with my door key in his raised hand. Thank God. I note a shadow looming to his right. The interested party. Could my luck be about to turn?

The man, who appears at least three inches taller than Carl’s six-foot frame, slowly turns his head towards the bell. I know he doesn’t know I’m watching, but my heart flutters chaotically as our eyes seem to connect. They look black, which I realise is the quality of the picture, not really the colour of his eyes. But, something about him makes me catch my breath. Have I seen him before? His face gives nothing away; his expression is flat. Disinterested. He’s also alone. He’s clutching something in his hand; something small. A tape measure, perhaps?

I wait nervously for them to come back out. I put the kettle on and make another coffee, just for something to do. I hear the door to the optician’s bang. They’re back. I take my phone and slide out of the lunchroom and into the toilet before they reach me. I need to keep watching my house.

Finally, I see movement again. It’s been almost half an hour. That’s got to be a good sign, surely? I only see the back of the man this time, and then he disappears from my view. Carl is there moments later. I know the picture quality isn’t great – but Carl’s face is as white as paper when he turns to lock the door again. My spirits drop. Was the second viewing a disaster?