Chapter 40 : Echoes of Strength
Summer had returned to Portland, filling the streets with warmth, sunlight, and the hum of life along the river. Lena unlocked the doors of her flower shop and inhaled the familiar scent of fresh blooms and earth—a scent that had become the signature of her new life. Her daughter ran ahead, balancing a small basket of daisies, while Noah arranged a display of seasonal flowers for a community workshop. Mira moved around the shop, capturing photos of the golden morning light as it spilled across the vibrant arrangements. “You’ve created something extraordinary,” Noah said, leaning against the doorway. “It’s not just a shop. It’s a home, a safe haven, a place that restores courage and hope.” Lena smiled, brushing her hands clean of soil. “I never imagined it would be this way. I only wante
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