I looked toward the old oak tree in the distance.
The Seven Oaks Circle had begun with seven women who wanted to protect the place they called home.
One had betrayed the others.
Several had nearly lost everything.
But the neighborhood had survived.
The orchard was protected.
The women who had been deceived were finding their voices again.
And my family had grown in a way none of us could have imagined.
My phone vibrated.
A message from Mom.
Emma, your grandma wants to know if you're coming for breakfast tomorrow.
I smiled.
Then typed:
Of course. Tell Grandma I'll bring the strawberries.
A reply arrived almost immediately.
She says bring extra. Apparently you've inherited her appetite.
I laughed.
And suddenly, a wave of happiness washed over me.
Not the dramatic kind.
Not the kind that came with enormous celebrations or expensive gifts.
Just the simple happiness of knowing that tomorrow morning, I would walk next door, knock on a familiar door, and hear someone I loved calling me inside.
