Chapter Five Sophie
Five
Sophie
Sophie’s first proper walk down Solace Springs’ main street was like stepping into spring itself.
The high street curved in a perfect horseshoe from the lake, as if the town had settled by the water, unable to resist its pull.
Cherry blossoms lined cobbled streets and petals drifted across store awnings, collecting in pastel drifts against wooden porches.
Every storefront looked impossibly quaint: a bakery with its striped awning and cinnamon-scented air escaping whenever the door opened; a general store with oak rocking chairs on the porch; a dress shop with mannequins wearing what appeared to be actual vintage clothes rather than fast-fashion knock-offs.
Even the streetlamps were ornate cast-iron affairs wrapped with delicate vines, as if the town council had hired a full-time lamp decorator.
Across the street, a small gazebo stood in the center of a pocket park, festooned with pastel ribbons for what Sophie assumed was some charming local festival that probably involved pie contests and three-legged races.
“Welcome!” called a tall red-haired woman arranging peonies and sweet peas outside a store called Stems I know how you Brits like your tea. ”
Sophie had never been a fan of camping. Even with the damp smell, the inn would be comfortable. But something was pulling her back to the boathouse. Her boathouse. “If you don’t mind lending me those items, I’d really appreciate it,” she said eventually.
“Sure thing!”
“There’s my girl!” Mabel emerged from the kitchen, a plate of pink-frosted cookies in hand. “I see you’ve met my daughter, Grace. You young ones need to stick together in this town, balance out all us nosy old biddies.”
“I beg your pardon!” Margaret called over.