A young tree planted in the middle of the lawn. A space where a garden could grow, where picnics could happen, where life could feel full again. They ate brunch on the patio, sunlight spilling across the table, the kids giggling over mismatched chairs.
Celia looked at Adam, really looked at him, and the worry that had once sat like a stone in her chest finally dissolved. She realized that sometimes secrets come from fear, from love, from trying too hard to create something special. Not all surprises are meant to hurt.
