Contents
6. Birdy
Overview
Six months earlier, Olivia "Birdy" Bird reels from a serious medical diagnosis and retreats to her London flat, clinging to her husky, Sunday. A solicitor arrives with news that Birdy’s estranged grandmother has died and left her a substantial inheritance in Hope Falls. Birdy distrusts him and slams the door. This reveal links Birdy to Hope Falls and hints at the coming identity and inheritance stakes.
Summary
Leaving the hospital in shock, Olivia "Birdy" Bird struggles to process a grave diagnosis. Overwhelmed by London’s noise, she rides home to her flat above a bookshop on Cecil Court, craving silence and the familiar comfort of her belongings.
Inside, Birdy searches for her husky, Sunday, who initially sulks after being left alone. When she offers food, Sunday brightens, and Birdy reflects on rescuing him as a puppy and the fear of what will happen to him if she dies. She breaks down, then steadies herself, planning to face difficult tasks tomorrow.
That night, after takeaway and settling in to watch The Shining, a knock interrupts. Expecting a confused shopper, Birdy answers in pajamas and instead meets a middle-aged man in a cheap suit who asks for Olivia Bird.
The man introduces himself as a solicitor and says Birdy’s grandmother died weeks ago, leaving Birdy—her only surviving relative—a substantial inheritance in Hope Falls. Birdy insists she has no family, whistles Sunday to her side, and, convinced the man is lying, refuses him entry and closes the door.
Who Appears
- Olivia "Birdy" BirdLondoner reeling from a grave diagnosis; solitary, guarded, and deeply attached to her husky; rejects a claimed inheritance.
- SundayBirdy’s Siberian husky; comforts her in crisis, responds to commands, and helps deter the unexpected visitor.
- SolicitorMiddle-aged man bearing news of Birdy’s grandmother’s death and a Hope Falls inheritance; seeks entry, rebuffed.