Chapter Four

Sitting across from the real estate agent, I watched as she flipped through a thick binder filled with rental listings. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, and the quiet hum of the office made the moment feel almost surreal. I was truly doing this—looking for a place of my own, somewhere safe, somewhere I could finally breathe.

"Alright, let's see what we have," she said, adjusting her glasses. "Most of the rentals in town are apartments or small houses, but I have a few options that might interest you."

She slid a few sheets of paper across the desk. The first was a small one-bedroom apartment above the bakery. Convenient, but too close to the noise of town.

"This one is right in the heart of town," she explained. "It’s great if you like being near everything."

I shook my head. "I think I want something quieter."

She nodded and moved to the next listing. "Alright, how about this one? A little house on the outskirts, with a charming front porch and a tiny backyard. It's got a lot of character."

I studied the pictures but didn’t feel a connection. "It’s nice, but... I don’t know. It doesn’t feel like the right fit."

Then she pulled out a final sheet, pausing for a moment before handing it to me. "This one is a little different," she said, watching my reaction closely. "It’s a small cabin in the woods, about a fifteen-minute drive from town. It’s quiet, secluded, and fully furnished."

I took the paper from her, and the moment my eyes landed on the photos, something inside me stirred. The cabin was perfect. Surrounded by towering trees, it looked like something out of a dream. The wooden exterior blended seamlessly with the forest, and a small porch wrapped around the front. Inside, the pictures showed a cozy living space with a stone fireplace, warm lighting, and rustic wooden furniture. The bedroom had large windows that overlooked the trees, and the kitchen, though small, had everything I would need.

"This one," I said, my voice firm but filled with excitement. "I want to see this one in person."

The agent smiled. "I had a feeling you’d like it. Let me make a call and set up a time for a showing. It’s been sitting vacant for a while, but it’s well-kept."

I nodded, gripping the paper tightly. I had no idea why, but just looking at the pictures made me feel at peace, like this place was meant for me. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was making the right choice.

As she made the call, I allowed myself to daydream. I could picture myself sitting on the front porch in the mornings, drinking coffee while listening to the birds. The thought of lighting a fire in the stone fireplace on a chilly evening filled me with warmth. I could decorate however I wanted, make it truly mine. No more cramped apartments or shared spaces where I had to watch every move I made. This would be my sanctuary.

"Good news," the agent said, pulling me from my thoughts. "The owner is available this afternoon for a showing. If you have time, we can head out in a couple of hours."

My heart skipped a beat. "That sounds perfect."

"Great!" She handed me a card with the address and a few details about the property. "In the meantime, feel free to grab some lunch or explore town a bit more. We’ll meet back here, and I’ll drive us out there."

I nodded, still staring at the pictures of the cabin. The reality of the situation was sinking in—this was really happening. I was about to take the first real step toward a life that was truly mine.

As I left the office, the sun had fully risen, casting a golden glow over the town. The idea of a fresh start wasn’t just a dream anymore. It was within reach, and I wasn’t going to let it slip away.

I stepped outside, taking in a deep breath. The air here was different—clean, fresh, full of possibilities. I decided to grab a coffee before the showing, so I wandered back toward the diner.

Linda was behind the counter, pouring a cup for one of the regulars when she noticed me. "Well, look who’s up early! You find yourself a place yet?"

I smiled as I took a seat at the counter. "I think so. There’s this cabin just outside of town. I’m going to look at it this afternoon."

Linda’s eyebrows lifted. "A cabin, huh? Sounds peaceful. A bit of a drive, though."

"Yeah, but that’s what I want," I admitted. "Something quiet, away from everything."

Dave, an older man who was seated a few stools down, chuckled. "That’s a good place, that cabin. Used to belong to an old hunter. He passed a few years back, and it’s been empty since...I think the Danvers own it now."

"Is it safe?" I asked, sipping the coffee Linda had placed in front of me.

Dave nodded. "Oh, sure. You’ll have plenty of space out there, no nosy neighbors. Just trees and fresh air. But it gets dark out there at night, real dark."

Linda rolled her eyes. "Don’t listen to him, sweetheart. It’s a lovely place, and if it feels right, you should go for it."

I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thanks, Linda."

She patted my hand. "Anytime, hon. Now, you want some breakfast before your big showing?"

I hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I think I do."

As she turned to put in my order, I found myself staring out the diner window, my heart racing with anticipation. Today, I might just find my new home.