Chapter 9 - A HOME OF LIGHT
Spring came again to Portland, bringing warm yellow sunshine, blooming pink cherry blossoms along the waterfront, and soft green leaves to the old oak trees in Westmoreland.
At 1420 Tudor Lane, the front yard was no longer a cold, sterile display of manicured bushes.
A sturdy wooden swing hung from the thickest branch of the grand oak tree in the front lawn. A bright garden filled with sunflowers, lavender, and sweet peas lined the stone walkway. In the backyard, a rescue golden retriever named "Barnaby" chased tennis balls across the grass, barking happily.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the driveway was filled with cars.
Rachel was hosting a backyard barbecue to celebrate Lily’s 12th birthday.
Children’s laughter echoed through the open windows. Mrs. Clara Harper sat on a patio chair, sipping iced tea, chatting with Dr. Sarah Lin and Arthur Vance. Near the grill, Rachel stood in a simple white summer dress, laughing as her colleague from the courthouse tried to flip burgers without burning his apron.
Lily ran across the grass, her hair flying in the breeze, wearing a customized birthday t-shirt that read: CHIEF ARCHITECT OF MY OWN LIFE.
She ran up to Rachel, grabbing her hand excitedly.
“Mom! Look what Mr. Vance brought me!” Lily held up a professional drafting set with silver compasses, fine-line pens, and a wooden T-square. “He said if I keep drawing house plans, he’ll hire me at his firm when I turn eighteen!”
Rachel knelt down, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Lily’s ear, looking at her daughter’s glowing, happy face.
“You can build whatever you want, Lily,” Rachel said gently. “Houses, bridges, worlds. Anything you imagine.”
Lily wrapped her arms around Rachel’s neck, hugging her with a tight, fierce love that filled every corner of Rachel’s heart.
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“I love our house, Mom,” Lily whispered. “It’s the warmest place in the whole world.”
“It’s warm because you’re in it, sweetie,” Rachel replied softly, kissing her cheek.
