After a spell of misfortune, Mercy has a chance to start again.

A no-fault eviction led her to the world of house-sitting, and she has been moving from home to home, rebuilding her life. With advice from her mentor Ekua and a virtual community of fellow house-sitters, Mercy has garnered reviews and ratings that have led to better opportunities. Now, in what may be her last move in the UK, she is staying in Meadowlight, a refurbished cottage in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Mercy's new routine provides structure. Water the plants. Feed the cats. Teach maths online. The house offers time to reflect on relationships that have fallen away, reconnect with childhood friends and reimagine her future.

With a good review, she could stay in similar houses overseas. Pursue her passion for photography. But every house, even one as tranquil as this, has its own stories. The homeowner, a pan-Africanist art collector, is making her presence known, even in her absence. And now the three cats have disappeared . . .

Welcome to Meadowlight. Enjoy your stay.