For the Unicorn Challenge…

In this tiny town with a population of 153, everybody knew everybody. Houses had no addresses, just names like the Flower House or the Whitewashed Cottage.

The Whitewashed Cottage, that’s the house Serena moved into 5 years ago. In her former life, she was a journalist, a story-chaser, rushing from place to place trying to catch the latest “scoop”. When she first moved here, residents were skeptical. They were, of course, already irritated that the former resident, Selma, was selling her home to be with her daughter in Florida.

As Serena parked her Beetle on the curb and unloaded her single suitcase, the residents wondered if her move was permanent.

“That does not look like a lot of luggage,” Maria, the town-gossip said.

“Oh, the rest will come later.”

Each morning, Serena would go for a jog and as she turned the corner, Maria and her gang of gossiper would start whispering among themselves wondering of all the things that would go on in that house. It was difficult for them to take in that such a successful young woman like Serena would choose to move to such a place.

The day after Serena’s 5th Anniversary at the Whitewashed Cottage was when things changed, Maria waited for Serena to go on her daily jog, it never came. The next day was the same and the day after.

Suddenly, Maria felt concerned about Serena. She knocked on the door of the Whitewashed Cottage. No answer. That’s when she knew, “Time to call Ralph the police.”