Chapter 1 #4
‘Indeed,’ Molly agreed, her boho dangly earrings swinging as she nodded.
‘Well, I’ll leave you to it. But remember, Sweetwater takes care of its own.
You’ll always have friends here, especially being the new vet.
We need you around here, with all our four-legged family members.
’ Then, with a final nod, Molly retreated down the path as the fading light cast elongated shadows behind her. ‘Catch you later.’ She offered a wave.
‘Nice to meet you, Molly!’ Brianna called after her, watching her new landlady until she blended into the backdrop of the town before turning back to the embrace of her new home.
* * *
The following morning sun spilled its golden light across the lush, verdant tapestry of Sweetwater, casting patterns on the worn path that led to where Brianna stood on the front verandah, a steaming cuppa in hand.
Drawing in a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air, her sighed exhalation helped to soothe her slightly restless spirit.
She had no idea what her first day would entail, and she was equally nervous and excited.
As she was about to head back inside, to her laptop and the preparation of her day, in the distance she noticed a figure approaching with a woven basket tucked under one arm.
‘Good morning, Bri!’ Molly called out, her voice as warm and inviting as the sunbeams dappling over Brianna’s toes. ‘I come bearing delicious gifts.’ Her confident stride left prints on the dew-kissed grass as she made her way towards her.
‘Oh, hey, Molly,’ Brianna replied with a smile, her eyes reflecting the clear blue sky as she spotted mouth-watering delicacies.
‘Oh my gosh, it smells like you’re about to spoil me.
’ She leant against the wooden railing as the aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped her in a sweet promise of comfort and community.
‘Aw, it’s nothing,’ Molly said with a bright smile, extending the basket towards her. ‘I thought you might like some homemade scones and rosella jam to start your first day on the job right.’
‘Oh wow, thank you, that’s very thoughtful of you,’ Brianna responded with genuine gratitude as she accepted the tasty offering.
‘My pleasure, treasure.’ Stopping shy of the top step, Molly leant on the railings across from Brianna. ‘We’re a close-knit community here. We look out for each other and like to make any newcomers feel a part of the township as soon as possible.’
Feeling drawn by the soft, gentle cadence of Molly’s voice, Brianna reached out and briefly touched her arm. ‘Thanks, that’s really sweet.’
‘Trust me, everyone will want to meet the new vet,’ Molly continued with a chuckle that sounded like a melodic note dancing in the quiet morning air. ‘There’s plenty of critters around here for you to take care of. From cattle to kangaroos, I bet you’ll see it all.’
‘Kangaroos?’ Brianna’s lips curved into a delighted smile.
‘Yes-siree, I mean, this is Australia after all, hey,’ Molly winked playfully, her laughter echoing.
‘I can already tell that you’ll fit right in.
With Bill becoming increasingly grumpy, especially in the last couple of years with his back giving out on him, your gentle nature is just what Sweetwater needs. ’
Brianna smirked. ‘Grumpy?’
‘Yes, we could all tell he’d had enough of the job, but he hung in there because his wife didn’t want him under her feet at home.
’ Molly looked left to right, as if making sure nobody was listening.
‘She’s a bit of a grump herself, at times.
They’ll make a right pair, trapped in a caravan together for a year, lord help them. ’
Grimacing, Brianna dropped her voice to match the whisper of Molly’s. ‘Now they can live grumpily ever after.’
‘Yes, exactly.’ Molly chuckled. ‘Bless them, though, they are lovely people, and town relics, given the fact they’ve been here their entire lives.’
‘Well then, it will be good for them to get out and about, exploring,’ Brianna said with a smile.
Their conversation flowed a little longer, natural and unforced, carrying tales of some of the townspeople that made up the community.
With every anecdote and shared laugh, Brianna’s roots grew deeper into the fertile soil of what sounded like a lovely little town with a heart of gold and lots of soul.
Tapping Brianna’s hand resting on the timber banister, Molly inhaled sharply. ‘Anyhoos, I best be off, and leave you be. I’ve got me a café to run, and books to balance.’
‘Okay, it was nice chatting, and thanks again,’ Brianna held the basket up, ‘for this.’ She felt blessed, having a landlady like Molly.
Ninety minutes later, with her belly nicely full and dressed in her crisp new workwear, Brianna took a deep breath, filling her lungs with determination.
As she gripped the handle of her well-worn veterinary kit, filled with years of knowledge, her drive to build a thriving business burned as bright and fierce as the Australian sun above.
‘Come on, Sherlock,’ she called out to her loyal companion, who trotted dutifully to her side. ‘Let’s get cracking.’