‘Welcome to Point Blur.’

These words still haunt me! It all began when we decided to downsize and sell our old house. We thought the sooner we found a nice new place, the better, and while browsing through the local paper, an ad jumped out at me. A much sought after area. Small, self-managed complex; spacious 2-bedroom brick veneer; modern, with distant water views.

My husband, Mike, organised a viewing that same afternoon. A new, optimistic energy had emerged as we agreed the house ticked all the boxes.

A done deal! We wasted no time moving in.

Our neighbour popped in and introduced herself as Penny. She appeared to be anxious. ‘Firstly, welcome to Point Blur,’ she said. ‘Well, I’m also here to...um…’

I asked, ‘So, Penny. What’s up?’

’Ok, then. Here goes!’ She continued, ‘The old couple down the road both took an overdose of their medicine after telling a few close friends it was “time”! They were found deceased this morning.’

Mike became agitated. ‘Let’s take the dog for a walk, Jen,’ he suggested, ‘before it rains.’ Penny swiftly exited.

However, the day lightened up. People smiled as they were strolling past. On our walk an elderly lady tending to her garden, beckoned us over. “Hello, you must be the new owners of the villa up the road.’

She looked straight into my eyes. ‘So you heard…’ her voice dropped, ‘...about the old couple?’

I nodded.

‘Well, you know there comes a time when we have to make decisions about our quality of life.’ She smiled gently. ’Life is simple, really, Dear.’ Her voice brightened, ‘now you see me…’ she walked away to open her front door, turned back and then, as she slowly went to close the door, added in a lower tone, ‘...and now you don’t.’

With that, she disappeared.