Chapter 14
The decision was made,
and the preparations for the journey began the very next day.
The news of their temporary departure traveled quickly through the tight-knit little town.
Neighbors arrived at the cottage,
bringing baked goods,
warm blankets,
and words of fierce encouragement.
The baker gave them a basket of fresh bread,
telling them to stand tall against the city folk.
The elderly woman from down the lane gave Sophie a small hand-knitted scarf,
wishing them safety.
This was their true family,
a network of souls bound together by mutual care and kindness.
Evelyn packed their bags,
choosing their simplest,
most comfortable clothes,
refusing to dress up for the wealthy.
They did not need expensive silks to hide behind,
for their dignity was their finest armor.
As they walked out to the waiting car,
the children of the town gathered to wave goodbye.
"We will water your garden while you are gone!"
one young boy yelled out,
saluting them.
Sophie waved back,
May you like
her heart full,
knowing that their roots were firmly planted in this good earth.
