Vivien K. Wilk

On Wednesday morning Grace was up early for the first time since arriving in the small town. It felt almost unrealistic that she could sit in the conservatory with a coffee and some sandwiches. Rain pelted against the glass ceiling and wall. The weather had changed the night before Grace went to bed. Actually, everything should have felt uncomfortable and gray, but it was quite the opposite. She could probably have sat here all day in peace, looking outside. But the humming of her cell phone soon called her back. She had received a message from Björn, who informed her that the will will be opened on Tuesday after the funeral, as her mother had to be present as well.

Grace sent back a brief acknowledgement, but also took it as a push to get on her feet. She emptied the last of her coffee and changed to be presentable. Since the store didn't open until after 2:00 PM, she'd put Sidney and Kyle in charge today. The thought of going out to eat alone made her a little nervous, but she hadn't wanted to ask anyone either. Björn would probably have come with her, regardless of whether he had to change dates for it and she didn't want to cause him any trouble. Without his help she would really have been overwhelmed.

Which makes it all the harder that I'll probably disappoint everyone else.

Mr. Hagreth's business card was on the dining table in the living room. Just looking over at it made her feel uncomfortable. But what should she do? Keep the house and the shop? Quit hers studies? Continue her studies in Ireland? Manage everything remotely? She didn't even really have a clue of what there was to manage. No, the best option was to sell the shop. Maybe not to Evellyn's competitors. The way he presented himself had left a bitter aftertaste. If she sold the house, it would be to someone who would be happy to have a nice new home and not that they had outdone the competition in the end.

At least that's what I can do for you, Evellyn.

The time until she went to the restaurant, she rummaged through the inventory below. There were also new parcels in front of the door, which she dragged in with difficulty and placed next to the counter for Sidney.

It was still a strange feeling to be down here. She constantly had the feeling to see movements out of the corner of her eye. And then there were the sudden scraps of memories that kept pushing themselves before her inner eye. Grace was torn between amazement, sadness and a happy smile. As exhausting as the emotional roller coaster ride was, at the same time she enjoyed the memories she brought out. By the time it got to two o'clock, she was more than ready for a break.

The bed and breakfast was only two blocks from the store. With the cell phone in one hand and the umbrella in the other, Grace tried to make the way as quickly as possible. Their path ended at a rather old-looking building that was crammed in between other houses. There was a curved sign above the front door, which pointed to the bed and breakfast, as well as the restaurant 'Foxdent'. The name somehow matched the building. Grace pushed her way through the door and found herself in a small reception foye. The front desk of the bed and breakfast was apparently just in front to her. Next to it, a staircase led to the second floor. To the right was an elevator and a door that appeared to lead into some sort of lounge or salon. To the left was a passage behind which she could already see tables and chairs. Small noises of conversation, the clatter of dishes, and the smell of food suggested that she would not be the only guest. Next to the passage was a blackboard on which the daily specials were listed.

"So you are the new owner."

Grace almost jumped back when a child's voice rang out next to her. Her heart pounded, she looked to her right. The girl was maybe ten or eleven, had curly black hair in a braid and dark brown skin. The child was as high as her waist. She had never felt such a judgmental look on her from any of the adults here. In addition to the look, the girl had her arms crossed over her chest. She was wearing a school uniform and her backpack. Did that mean she had just come in behind her? She hadn't heard the door open and close, however.

"So? Are you the new bookstore owner?"

Grace opened her mouth, but was still a little too perplexed by the girl's appearance.

"Sinjen, that's not a way to speak with a guest."

A tall woman with black, pinned up hair, dressed in a simple black dress, came down the stairs. With the color of her dress and hair, her skin looked even paler than Grace's. Suddenly Grace was not sure whether she would rather have only the child stare at her again. The gaze wasn't meant for her, but that didn't change the fact that under those piercing green eyes she suddenly felt much smaller. The child seemed less impressed.

"I only asked one question ... Mother. It's only polite when you get an answer."

The woman sighed in frustration before shaking her head.

"Excuse Sinjen, what she is lacking in behavior, she has in self-confidence. I'm Celina Wood, the manager of the bed and breakfast."

"Grace. Grace Lindman."

She had finally found her voice again and could at least give the impression that she was in control.

"Miss Lindman, it is a pleasure to meet you," Celina replied, "My condolences on the death of your aunt. Sad as the circumstances are, I was delighted to hear that you will visit us today. This is my daughter Sinjen. "

Grace managed to smile at the girl, who only rolled her eyes.

"I'm upstairs doing my homework," Sinjen announced before she went upstairs past the two of them.

Celina watched her for a brief moment and shook her head slightly.

"The kid is very stubborn," she said. "Come on. I'll take you to the dining room."

A little relieved to be able to leave the situation, Grace followed her to the left. After a short anteroom, where mainly tables for the morning buffet were located, they stepped into the dining room. Due to the low ceiling and the narrow space, everything looked very crowded, but also cozy. On the right was a fireplace that was already lit and gave off a pleasant, inviting warmth. A total of four tables were occupied, all with a group of people who only looked up briefly as they came in and then turned back to their conversations. Celina grabbed a card as she passed and then led Grace to a table near the fireplace, which only had space for two people.

"Can I get you something to drink, Miss Lindman?"

"A bottle of water would be good and please call me Grace if that's okay?"

"Pleased to meet you, Grace. Feel free to say Celina."

She handed the card to Grace, then paused. It wasn't long after Hannah came out of the kitchen. The cook smiled on both cheeks when she saw Grace and immediately walked over to them.

"Grace! How nice that you are there. I'm already thinking about what I can prepare for you, as long as you have no wish."

"I think I like the thought of you surprising me," Grace replied with an embarrassed smile.

"Your wish is my command. I hope Celina wasn't too intimidating. She has her way."

The addressed person raised her left eyebrow very slowly and gave her wife a critical look.

"I don't know what the comment was about my dear."

That it wouldn't hurt if you smiled every now and then?

Grace had to hold on tight not to smile when she noticed that Hannah gave her a meaningful look. As if she knew exactly what was going through Grace's head.

"Anyway. We need to have a conversation with Sinjen once more," Celina explained.

"What has she done now?"

"She was rude to Grace."

"That really wasn't that bad," Grace tried to calm things down. "To be honest, I was just so surprised because I didn't notice her appearing next to me."

"Grace, it is very kind of you that you want to protect her. But I assure you that it is unnecessary. The child is too smart and too brash for her own good," Celina replied.

"It's not that easy sometimes, that's right," agreed Hannah, "Let me talk to her tonight. I think Evellyn's death has thrown her off course more than she wants to admit."

Celina grimaced a little disgruntled, but she nodded.

"I agree. Then I'll leave her alone. I'll let you two eat now. It was a pleasure to meet you Grace. See you at the funeral at the latest."

With the words Celina turned and left the room again towards the reception. Hannah watched her go for a moment before laughing sheepishly.

"I promise you, my family is only half as strange as it looks right now. And yes, to clear up this mystery, Celina can smile."

"Can you read minds?"

"Maybe."

Hannah grinned widely again.

"Go ahead and study the menu, maybe you would like to have a dessert. Or find something for the next time. I'll make sure that you get your water and then I will prepare everything. It should be a little quieter soon.

"Thanks Hannah."

She smiled again before turning around and disappearing back into the kitchen.