Chapter 1 of 4
The Post Office Counter
Clara rented a cottage with a view of the lake and a radiator that clicked all night. On her first morning she bought stamps she did not need and asked for directions she already had, because the man behind the counter had kind eyes and did not rush her.
His name was Daniel. He had grown up in the village and knew every path around the water. He recommended a walk along the western shore and wrote the route on the back of her receipt in small, careful handwriting.
She took the walk. The lake was grey that day and beautiful anyway. When she returned for more stamps, Daniel asked if she had found the bench near the boathouse. She had. She sat on it for an hour.