Twenty-Four
Grace stepped from the CityRide onto the even walkway encircling the Soul Grove. She removed her shoes, as was customary, and slipped them into an available complimentary cubby, locked by her thumbprint.
She entered the grove. Grass and cool earth pressed into her bare feet. She headed west, toward section C3. Light filtered through the branches above, dancing across her bare arms and face. It was so quiet here. She was sure it was the design acoustics of the grove but also the atmosphere of the place itself. Five rows up, Grace saw a small family. A man and two little girls sat beneath a tree, eating their lunch and speaking quietly.
For a moment, the man looked up and locked eyes with Grace. They shared a sad, knowing smile.
She kept walking until she found who she was lo
