Chapter 7
As the weeks turned into months,
the vibrant colors of summer began to fade,
giving way to the crisp golden hues of autumn.
The little cottage remained a haven of peace,
surrounded by late-blooming flowers that defied the cooling air.
Evelyn spent her mornings sweeping the fallen leaves from the porch,
while Sophie carefully gathered sunflower seeds for the next spring.
Their life was quiet,
predictable,
and filled with an understated joy they had never known before.
One chilly afternoon,
a sharp knock on the wooden door broke the rhythm of their day.
The postman stood there,
holding a thick,
heavy envelope made of expensive parchment.
It bore an embossed silver crest,
a symbol that made Evelyn’s breath catch in her throat.
It was the emblem of the luxury estate they had left behind,
a reminder of the family that had abandoned them.
With trembling fingers,
she took the letter and closed the door,
leaning against it as memories rushed back.
Sophie looked up from the kitchen table,
her perceptive eyes catching the sudden pale look on her mother’s face.
"What is it,
Mom?"
Sophie asked softly,
setting down her book.
Evelyn tried to offer a reassuring smile,
but her hands gave away her internal storm.
"It is just a ghost from our past,
sweetheart,"
Evelyn whispered,
staring at the seal.
May you like
She knew that whatever was written inside,
their quiet world was about to change.
