The sun had begun to dip below the hills, bathing Harmony Town in a warm amber glow. The three of them returned to the cottage at an unhurried pace, the old lady chatting happily about the bargains she had found at the grocery store. “I told Mrs. Miller her tomatoes were too expensive,” she said proudly. “She argued with me for five whole minutes before lowering the price.” Rebecca laughed. “So you won again.” “Naturally.” Damian carried the shopping bags without a word. As they reached the veranda, the old lady unlocked the front door. “I’m going to rest these old legs for a few minutes,” she announced. “Then we’ll start preparing dinner.” She disappeared inside, leaving Damian and Rebecca on the veranda. Rebecca placed the bouquet of wildflowers they had picked earlier into a g

