Rosa Mundi and Other Stories

Randal Courteney seeks refuge on a quiet stretch of Hurley Bay, hoping the lingering summer heat will keep the crowds at bay while he gathers thoughts for his next novel. His solitude is abruptly broken by a bright‑eyed child who asks for help over the breakwater, turning the serene shoreline into a fleeting, almost fairy‑tale scene. As he assists her, the child’s playful chatter introduces a name that haunts him—Rosa Mundi, the enigmatic dancer whose legend has lingered in his memory.

The encounter pulls Courteney into a puzzling mix of nostalgia and curiosity, hinting at a secret that has been kept hidden for years. Through his reluctant conversation with the child, the story begins to explore how art, obsession, and forgotten promises can surface in the most unexpected places. The opening promises a blend of lyrical description and quiet suspense, inviting listeners to follow Courteney as he navigates the thin line between reality and the whispers of an unseen past.