Chapter 26 : The Choice to Lead
Winter had returned to Portland, dusting the streets with frost and giving the river a silver glow in the early morning light. The city moved slowly in the crisp air, yet the quiet felt alive — full of possibilities. Lena stood inside her flower shop, surveying the shop she had nurtured for years. It had grown from a small corner boutique into a thriving community hub. Beyond flowers, it offered workshops, small gatherings, and a place for people to find comfort and connection. Her daughter carefully arranged a wreath of holly and pine, looking up at Lena with wide eyes. “Mom, do you think people really read all the letters?” she asked, curious. “They do,” Lena replied, smiling. “Some of them say they finally feel brave enough to start over, just like I did.” At that moment, Mira walk
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