Clara Vance steps through the heavy oak door of The Corner Bookshop, shaking raindrops from her yellow boots onto the welcome mat.
The air smells like old paper and damp wool, wrapping around her shoulders like a soft blanket.
She shakes her umbrella again, sending a spray of water onto the floorboards near the counter.
Clara Vance looks around the quiet shop, wondering where the story begins.
Her eyes land on a red book sitting alone on a low table.
She picks it up, feeling the weight of the pages inside.
A draft blows the pages, revealing a map tucked inside the cover.
Clara Vance smiles, realizing the adventure has already started.