A gentle breeze stirred the willows along the lake's edge as Camila Zhou settled onto the soft picnic blanket, Lucas nestled in her lap. The restored Thorne Foundation rehabilitation campus sprawled behind them—low stone cottages, winding gravel paths, and wildflower meadows dancing beneath the late‑morning sun.
Julian Thorne unfolded two chairs beside her and draped his arm around Camila's shoulders. He held a wicker basket in his free hand. “I packed your favorite"—he revealed steaming dumpling buns nestled in parchment.
Camila grinned, inhaling the aroma. “You remembered." She leaned into him. “How could I forget?"
Lucas darted ahead, kite reel clutched in both hands. The kite was a masterpiece: a phoenix in fiery oranges and golds, the phrase **“Choose Hope"** traced across its tail
