The One

Welcome to Theodulf

Karol was the first to awaken, sunlight streaming through the curtains, nudging her into action. She slipped out of bed, eager to begin the day. After her shower, she emerged from the bathroom, still wrapped in a soft towel. As she started to comb her long, naturally wavy hair, her sister, Sharon, greeted her without looking up from her phone.

"Morning!" she chirped, her excitement barely contained.

"Morning," Sharon replied absently, her eyes glued to the screen. "What time is it now?"

"It's 7.05 am. Come on, let's have breakfast together. Mummy and Daddy will meet us there at eight."

Sharon looked up briefly, a smile creeping onto her face. "I already called them. They're looking forward to it."

"Great!" Karol nodded, tucking back a loose strand of hair, her heart light with the thought of family time. "Let's make it quick, then!"

Sharon sprang into action, following her usual morning routine, while she entertained herself by playing games on her iPad. Once the sisters were ready, they headed to the dining room where their parents waited, their plates filled with steaming pancakes.

William looked up from his blackberry pancakes, a playful glint in his eye. "So, girls, what time are we leaving this lovely place?"

"By 2 pm, we'll check out," she answered, taking a bite of her vanilla pancakes. "But I want to drive around a bit after breakfast. Care to join me?"

"Count me in! Let's grab some food to go," Anna chimed in, her eyes bright with anticipation. "We can munch on it during our drive to Theodulf."

"Sounds perfect!" she beamed, her energy infectious.

Before the lift arrived, Sharon added, "Let's meet back in the lobby at ten, okay?"

The family responded with nods and murmured agreement, though William still had a question on his mind. "How long will it take for us to get from Filtiarn to Theodulf?"

"About two to three hours, depending on traffic and how fast we drive," Sharon replied thoughtfully as they stepped into the lift.

"Right, and we're all set to go," Karol said, excitement bubbling within her.

At exactly ten o'clock, the family gathered in the lobby, ready to embark on their adventure.

"Let's go, our car has arrived!" Karol announced, her eyes sparkling as she spotted the vehicle pulling up.

"Food first!" Sharon said eagerly, taking the driver's seat while Karol fiddled with the navigation. "What's next on our list?"

"The local market," she said with a hint of trepidation. "I doubt it'll be spectacular, but let's check it out."

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the local market, the buildings whimsical and charming. They took their time, browsing for authentic souvenirs before returning to the hotel to pack up.

Once their souvenir hunting concluded, they returned to the hotel, where Karol stood at the front desk, checking them out.

"Isn't Karol done yet?" Anna asked, glancing over at her sister, who was still sorting out the bill.

"She's almost finished," Sharon reassured, nodding towards the bell boy who was waiting to help with their luggage. "Let's hop in the car while we wait."

"Alright, let's get our bags loaded!" Anna said, pulling her husband away from an urgent work text as the bellboy began loading their luggage.

Just then, Karol strolled over, a victorious grin on her face. "All done! Let me drive, sis; you've been at the wheel for two days straight." She opened the driver's side door, eagerness radiating from her.

As their parents settled into the back seats, Sharon climbed into the passenger seat and said, "Remember, we'll switch later, okay?"

"Sure thing!" she replied, fastening her seatbelt with determination. The engine roared to life, and soon they were off, belting out tunes from sad ballads to upbeat hip-hop, their laughter resonating through the air.

As the scenery whizzed by, she kept glancing over at her sister, who insisted on switching drivers a few miles down the road. Finally, as they passed the sign that welcomed them to Theodulf, Karol shouted, "WELCOME TO THEODULF!" her voice bursting with joy.

Laughter bubbled up in the car, accompanied by affectionate head shakes in her direction. Karol, delighted by their reaction, casually entered the house address into the navigation system.

"It's 4.55 pm," she announced, pride swelling in her chest. "Just under three hours with all our stops—pretty impressive!"

Thirty minutes later, they pulled up to the rental house, a stunning double-storey abode complete with modern amenities. Without needing the owner's presence, the family slipped inside, ready for the next chapter of their adventure.

The master bedroom was occupied by the parents, while both sisters quickly claimed the second-largest room next to each other. They wasted no time unpacking their bags and refreshing themselves with showers.

Afterwards, Sharon floated down the stairs, a sense of eagerness bubbling within her. "Ready?" she asked as she stepped into the living room. Her eyes landed on her father, who was lost in the world of his film, and her sister, who lay sprawled across the sofa like a rag doll.

Without moving or glancing up, Karol replied, "Check on Mum first, then we'll be ready."

"I'm here and ready! Let's go!" Anna chimed in, shoving her phone into her small handbag and bouncing on her seat.

"At last... It's 6.30 pm, and I'm ravenous!" Sharon declared, rubbing her stomach dramatically.

Karol stood up, her hand swatting her father's thigh. "Let's go, Dada."

"Roger that, dough," William replied with a chuckle, rising from the sofa without bothering to pause the TV. "Dinner at Sky View Restaurant or a regular one?"

"Of course, Sky View!" Sharon answered eagerly, but Karol interjected, "Only so she can update her social media. Our little influencer," she teased while making a ridiculous face and mimicking vomiting.

"Shut up, you dwarf!" Sharon shot back, smacking her sister's arm lightly, while their father handed his phone to her, saying, "Go to this address."

Karol quickly typed it in and returned the phone to her father as he placed their order while they drove. Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at their destination.

"Dinner first, then lounge at the bar?" asked Sharon, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Nah, I'll skip tonight," William replied, cutting his half-cooked steak, "I need to check on my subordinate."

Sharon nodded and turned to their mother. "What about you, Mum?"

"Nope, not tonight. I want to go shopping tomorrow. Want to come with me?" Anna asked, glancing at her daughters.

Karol sipped her drink, shaking her head firmly, "Pass on both counts."

"I'll go! I want to buy some clothes," Sharon announced, earning a dramatic glare from Karol.

"You have tons of clothes waiting to be worn in your luggage! You still want to go shopping?! Dear heavens, I hope we don't go bankrupt!" Karol joked, feigning horror.

"Bitch, please, it's my money, okay? My money!" Sharon retorted, reaching over to steal some of Karol's fries.

"Ah, the rich girl steals fries now!" she laughed, only to receive a flurry of playful punches from her big sister, who surrendered with a mock gesture of defeat.

"Okay, truce, truce! I'm sorry. Your money is endless, we know, old young Judge Sharon," Karol responded, grinning.

The night ended with full bellies and laughter as they relaxed in the living room before retreating to their respective rooms.