Iris had always loved the beach. Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula had its perks for a girl who loved running through the sand and playing in the water. It was a place she knew well, back on the surface.

This? This was not the Mornington Peninsula. It was a fair enough imitation, she had to admit, but there was just something not quite right about it. Maybe the knowledge that this place was a fabrication was enough to taint it alone, but she still felt that they’d gotten something wrong about it – aside from the fact that the real Mornington Peninsula was currently occupied by giant cockroaches. 

But still, there was nothing about it she could pinpoint. Perhaps each individual element was just the tiniest bit off. The sand of the beach she currently stood on was maybe a touch less yellow. The sun beamed down with slightly less intensity. The sounds of the false ocean weren’t quite right. 

Iris’s skirt rustled in the soft breeze – a breeze that, unfortunately, was also artificial. She shivered slightly, waiting for the luxury custom home builders she was supposed to meet here. Had she known she’d be waiting so long, Iris might have worn something a bit warmer than a long skirt and t-shirt.

Finally, two men approached from the other side of the beach. When they came within speaking distance, Iris curtsied and then stood straight, waiting for them to begin the dialogue. They certainly weren’t what she’d expected of custom home designers based on the Mornington Peninsula, where people had a lot of money to spend on houses.

“I trust you have been briefed,” said a regal man. Beside him stood an intimidating figure in a purple robe. “Which of the five might you be?”

“Iris,” she said, projecting her voice so as to not sound timid. “I’m afraid you might not see me much. I’m not out very often.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” said the man. “I am Gideon, and with me is my right-hand man, Lorenzo. Tell me, Iris, what do you have to offer us?”

Iris gave a shy smile. “Perhaps it’s best if I provide a demonstration.”