Just Rose

ts leaving her legs exposed and burning on the hot paving stones, but her determination wouldn’t let her give up on the torturous task at hand. The weeds and paving stones had ruined her ma

nt of the day and was mercilessly trying to cook her. Trying was an understatement! Her hot red shoulders were a sure sign it was succeeding. Arching her back, she stopped for a mo

red door. It was a start, a major improvement at least; She would now be able to come and go through the door without fighting with the plants around her ankles. She only had another two feet until the rickety l

answer, her mother smiling back at her from the screen photo, staring up at her in

lazily, leaning back and sliding to lay flat on the scorch

ee how you’re settling in. We haven’t heard from you since your first day

a bit of a mess.’ She admitted, straining her back to get the kinks out and tipping her head b

not have a caretaker keeping it habitable?’ Her mum sounded

d about three inches of dust.’ Rose glanced up at the window from her crazy angle, seeing Muffin, her fluffy white Chihuahua watching her quizzically

f emotion at her aunt’s name. A sunken ball of heaviness stopped her thoughts and forced her to push her aunt from her

o many memories of being here with her, only to be faced with an almost derelict shell.’ Rose picked at her

orge. I think she missed the cottage, but she had found a new home.’ Her mother’s wistful tone carried a melanc

she left it to me in her will.’ Rose smiled to herself at the to

f loss and heartbreak and eager to brighten the mood. It was still too soon; even after eighteen months o

he left almost all the furniture behind. I have my studio set up ready to work and well, Muffin, seems to love taking walks in the surrounding rural emptiness.’ She sounded more positive than she

fresh start an

a recluse, in a stinky musty co

gret leaving London to go back to the highla

ce she was a child, and now coming here and leaving everythi

more out there for her in the world that London hadn’t given her. It was as though she was holding her breath, waiting for that moment of clarity as to where her next steps we

ge and she was really happy there, Darling.’ The uplifted tone in her mother’s voice made Rose feel better. Confirmation that she had made the

small town, and its quirky inhabitants. I needed a fresh start; my life was becoming so stale.’ Rose flipp

ause you were her only niece and she couldn’t have a child of her own. You were like a daughter to her too and you make me so proud, I love you Darling.’ The emotion in her mother’s voice was raw, her mother obviously

s legs, he needs out.’ Rose didn’t really want to end the call, but her heart ache was becoming a lit

rolling to her knees to get up from the ground. She was about to head into the cottage when the

ver actually met as he usually posted letters through the slot while she was still inside cleaning and fixing up her n

, red-cheeked man, with white receding hair and a smart royal mail uniform in navy blue. As he rou