First published by The Red Forge Publishing House, 2015 and updated in 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022

Adelaide, South Australia

theredforgepublishinghouse.com

Copyright © Sutcliffe, Keren

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Book 4: The Elegant Solution

For a long time, Brenda’s life had returned to ‘normal’ and her family had lived a contented life however that ‘creative itch’ returned and life took an unexpected turn, and she now found herself living at the Dockside Tavern—a cozy, harbor-side establishment that had become her temporary home.

Nestled among the picturesque docks, the tavern provided Brenda with a unique blend of inspiration and companionship. The rustic charm of the place, with its wooden beams and maritime artifacts, fueled her creativity and offered a sense of belonging amidst the boisterous atmosphere.

The tavern’s regulars soon became familiar faces in Brenda’s daily routine. Each evening, as the sun painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, she would gather with the eclectic group of artists, musicians, and locals who frequented the tavern. Their stories, laughter, and shared camaraderie breathed life into her writing, infusing it with the vibrancy of real experiences.

Amidst the clinking glasses and soulful melodies, Brenda discovered a supportive community that embraced her journey as a writer. They celebrated her successes, offered constructive feedback, and provided a sanctuary where she could pour her heart onto the pages of her book.

Living at the Dockside Tavern allowed Brenda to break free from the isolation she had experienced during her early days in Paris. The tavern’s ambiance became the backdrop for her storytelling, offering a rich tapestry of characters and tales that she could weave into her narrative. From the weathered fishermen with stories etched upon their faces to the whimsical street performers who danced through the nearby cobblestone streets, each person she encountered added depth and authenticity to her words.

Brenda found solace in the simplicity of her new life. The daily rhythm of the tavern, the smell of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the salty sea breeze, and the comforting chatter of patrons became the backdrop of her creative process. Here, she could escape the pressures and expectations that had weighed her down in Paris, allowing her writing to flourish in an environment of acceptance and genuine connection.

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Brenda’s manuscript began to take shape. Her characters evolved, their journeys intertwining with the spirit of the tavern and the lives of its inhabitants. The once-struggling writer had found her voice, and her book reflected the transformative power of embracing the unexpected and finding home in the most unlikely of places.

Brenda’s time at the Dockside Tavern was no longer just a temporary stop on her journey; it had become an integral part of her story. The energy of the tavern infused every page, a testament to the resilience and beauty she had discovered in her own life.

With her manuscript nearing completion, Brenda felt a sense of gratitude for the serendipitous detour that had led her to the Dockside Tavern. It had become a harbor of inspiration, a sanctuary where her words could grow wings and soar. And as she readied herself to bid farewell to this chapter of her life, she knew that the memories and connections forged within those walls would forever be etched in her heart and in the pages of her book.

Brenda started writing again. The Elegant Solution.

Max was alone, at home. He looked out of the back window. It was snowing which was strange. It was fascinating. He was daydreaming. Was it true that each flake was unique but the chances were not zero that at any one time they were all the same? It could be happening now, he thought. He shook his head. It was a strange day. He was in a strange mood. Through the snow he could see, far down the garden path, that the back gate was open. He put on his old dirty woolen jumper and stepped outside. It was cold but he didn’t seem to mind and headed toward the gate.

About halfway along the path he spotted something on the ground, just off the path. On bending down he gashed his head on the side of the shed. Swearing he raised his hand to touch the wound and a drop of blood fell to the snow. He stopped and looked at the stark red blood in the white snow. He continued to the open gate. As he approach he could he something coming. It was a rumble. The trees and snowfall were blocking any view down the laneway but from the right, something was coming. It sounded like horse hooves. Standing at the open gate with a bleeding gash on his head he looked right along the laneway.

Yes, horses were coming. And a carriage and driver. A woman driver, it was Charlotte, wearing a bright red dress, with a low neckline and flowing black hair. Two magnificent horses, proudly pulling a carriage. She pulled the horses up alongside.

“Hop in were are off to the Dockside Tavern. I’ll buy you a whiskey.” He asked, “will Marla be there?” The carriage door opened. Someone else was inside. Max turned, looked back at his house, closed the gate, and jumped up into the carriage. Inside was Tarnie playing a guitar. Dressed like she was from the wild west. Once Max was settled it was giddy up and they were off. 

“LeRoy, where have you been?”.

As Max, Tarnie, and Leroy rode off in the carriage driven by Charlotte, they headed towards the Dockside Tavern. The atmosphere inside the carriage was filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Max couldn’t help but wonder about Marla’s presence at the tavern, while Tarnie strummed on her guitar, adding a touch of music to the journey.

As they traveled along, Max began to notice the changing scenery outside the carriage window. The snow-covered landscape gradually transformed into a bustling cityscape as they approached the Dockside area. The tavern was located near the waterfront, a hub of activity with ships coming and going, and people from all walks of life congregating there.

The carriage came to a halt outside the Dockside Tavern, a lively establishment known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse clientele. Max, Tarnie, and Leroy stepped out, taking in the sights and sounds of the place. The three of them made their way inside, eager to see what awaited them.

Inside the tavern, they were greeted by a lively crowd and the familiar aroma of food and drink. The room was filled with laughter, conversation, and the occasional clinking of glasses. They spotted Brenda sitting at a corner table, engrossed in writing. She looked up, surprised to see Max, Tarnie, and Leroy standing before her.

Brenda smiled and waved them over, gesturing to the empty seats around her table. Max, Tarnie, and Leroy joined her, and the group began exchanging stories and catching up on each other’s lives. Brenda shared her new project, “The Elegant Solution,” a book she had started writing during her time at Dockside.

As the evening progressed, more familiar faces from their past adventures began to appear at the tavern. Marla walked in, followed by ArkiMay, who had returned to the project after a period of exploration. The energy in the room heightened as old friends reunited and new connections formed.

The night was filled with laughter, music, and a sense of possibility. The Dockside Tavern had become a meeting point for kindred spirits, a place where creativity and camaraderie thrived. Amidst the chaos of their individual lives, they had found solace and inspiration in each other’s company.

In the days that followed, Max, Tarnie, Leroy, and the rest of the group continued to gather at the tavern, collaborating on various projects and embarking on new adventures. The spirit of community and shared purpose infused their lives, fueling their creativity and providing the support they needed to pursue their dreams.

“The Elegant Solution” became more than just a book for Brenda—it became a metaphor for their collective journey. Each of them had faced their own challenges and setbacks, but together they discovered that sometimes the most elegant solution is found in the company of like-minded individuals, in the power of friendship, and in the willingness to take a leap of faith.

And so, their story continued, intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of the Dockside Tavern and the colourful characters who frequented it. They would face new trials, celebrate triumphs, and find inspiration in the most unexpected places. But through it all, they would always have each other, and the elegant solution they had discovered—a bond that could weather any storm and light the path to a brighter future.