The Carlton House

Elara’s eyes snapped open with determination. The sign read ‘Carlton’. She leapt out of bed and sprinted through the streets, the cool morning air nipping at her cheeks. She made her way to the conveyancer’s office with haste.

Once again, she arrived before Mr Anders did, this time carrying a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich for him as a bribe to get things started immediately. He chuckled at her tenacity and let her in.

Elara had everything ready; the property conveyancing experts were astounded. She was now a whirlwind of efficiency. When Mr Anders raised an eyebrow at her extensive knowledge of conveyancing, she explained, “Let’s just say I’m a quick study.”

However, as she was about to rush out to find the owner, Mr Anders dropped a bombshell. “I got a call from the owner. Apparently, there’s another offer on the table; someone’s outbidding you.”

Elara’s heart sank. This was an unexpected twist. She realised she would need to secure the owner’s agreement first before even starting the conveyancing process.

She raced through the streets, searching for the owner. After what felt like an eternity, she found him at a bakery. Elara begged and pleaded, trying to make him understand how important the house was to her without divulging too much.

“I have a better offer,” he mumbled, looking uncomfortable.

She realised money might not be his primary concern. Elara told him about her dreams, how she felt an unexplainable bond with the house, and how she was an author who could give the house the love it deserved.

He was silent for a while and then whispered, “The house needs someone who can unravel its secrets.”

Elara promised to do just that.

But as she sprinted back to the conveyancing lawyers in Carlton, the day slipped away. The world blurred once again. Time – she needed more time. Somehow, she had to find the perfect order to get everything done in the most efficient way possible.

Tomorrow, she thought. Tomorrow I’ll start with the owner, and I will break free.