​

It was getting closer to dusk as Casey passed the Belfast City limit sign, population 6,335.  She liked this town already.  A quiet calm seemed to envelop the city as she guided her car past the old houses, some of which had been turned into bed & breakfasts.  Lights inside these homes emitted a soft glow and seemed to add to the calming effect she was feeling about Belfast.

​

Casey pulled under a streetlight at Northport Avenue and Mayo Street to look at a hand-drawn map the owners of Emerald Reflections had mailed to her.  Northport Avenue was one of the main streets in town.  Running mostly north, it split near the middle of town and became Church Street and High Street.  Emerald Reflections sat one block over in the middle of Cottage Street on a slight hill only two blocks from the bay.  As Casey would find out soon enough, there was quite a view from the upstairs of the old house.

​

Casey turned into the gravel drive and was smitten with the charm of the pale-yellow frame home with dark green trim.  The same soft glows she had noticed from other houses emanated from this one as well.  As she got out of the car the salty air reminded her of the beach.  She paused for just a moment, remembering her trips to the beaches at Galveston and Corpus Christi, and then headed up the wooden steps to check in to her “home” for the next five days.

Inside she found the owner, Mr. Addion, at the sign-in area.  An unassuming man of about 50, he smiled, held out his hand and greeted her.

​

“You must be Casey Tomkins,” he said shaking her hand.  “Welcome to our home.”  His smile was genuine, and Casey immediately felt at ease.  “Let’s get your bags inside,” he said walking around the counter.  “I’ll bet you’re tired.  That’s a pretty good drive from Boston.  Did everything go alright?”

​

Casey nodded.  “Yes, everything went fine.”  As they walked toward her car, Casey said, “I love your house, it seems so cozy and comfortable.”

​

“You’ll enjoy your stay here, I promise.  Tomorrow the Mrs. and I will get with you and let you know a little about our town, where to go and what not.”  He pulled Casey’s large bag out of the trunk as Casey took her smaller bag containing her personal items and cosmetics.  “But I’ll bet you’re tired, most folks are by the time they get here.”

​

“I am pretty tired, but I’m hungry, too.  Do you know of a place I could go to get something pretty quick?”  Casey looked at her watch.  Ten after six.  It wasn’t as late as she thought. She remembered she had forgotten to change it to Eastern Time, but she would worry about that tomorrow.

​

Mr. Addion gestured toward what was probably downtown Belfast.  “There is a McDonald’s in town that’s still open, and a small restaurant that has pretty good food.  It’s called The Belfast Café.  The name’s not very original, but I know the guy that owns it.  We’ve been friends for a long time.  Plus, like I said, the food’s good.”

​

“I’ll probably go there after I put my things up.” Casey responded.

​

As they made their way up to the second floor, Mr. Addion was giving Casey directions to the café and she noticed the old stairway and its three landings.  “Such wonderful architecture,” she thought to herself.  She was let into her room as Mr. Addion said, “Well, here it is, your home for the next few days.  If you need anything tonight, just dial zero.  For long distance, dial 8, then 1, the area code….” he paused a moment, thinking to himself that he might be insulting her, she knew how to use a phone….“just like normal.  The instructions are by the phone.”  As he walked out, Mr. Addion smiled and said softly, “We’re glad you’re here.  We hope you enjoy yourself.”

​

“Thank you. Thank you very much,” Casey responded.  “You’ve been very gracious already.”  Mr. Addion smiled and closed the door.  Belfast.  Emerald Reflections.  The room was as beautiful and warm as any she’d seen anywhere.  Casey was here at last.

​