Chapter 9 - The Blossoming Ground
Six months later.
The icy chill of winter had completely melted away, giving rise to a glorious, sun-drenched spring.
At the Stewart Estate, the cold, grey stone fortress had been completely transformed. The tall wrought-iron fences remained, but the once-barren lawns were now bursting with colorful gardens—blooming tulips, fragrant lavender, climbing yellow roses, and a large wooden greenhouse built off the east wing.
Inside the greenhouse, seventy-one-year-old Rose Mercer stood without her oxygen tube, breathing comfortably as she used a small pair of shears to trim a potted orchid. Thanks to the revolutionary treatment at the pulmonary center, her lung capacity had improved dramatically, restoring her strength and vitality.
On the manicured lawn outside, a miracle was taking place.
Ellie Stewart stood on the bright green grass. She was not wearing her metallic leg braces. She wore a simple summer dress and light pink sneakers.
Five feet away stood June, holding out her hands with an encouraging smile. "Come on, Ellie. Just three steps."
Ellie took a deep breath, engaged her core, and lifted her right foot forward. She wobbled slightly, but kept her balance. Then she took a second step. Then a third.
Suddenly, she let out a squeal of delight, broke into a awkward, tottering run, and threw herself straight into June’s waiting arms!
June caught her, lifting the six-year-old girl into the air and spinning her around as their shared laughter echoed across the sunny garden.
Standing near the edge of the patio, holding two glasses of fresh lemonade, was Miles. He watched the scene with tears of pure, unadulterated joy streaming down his face.
He set the glasses on a wooden table and walked out onto the lawn, dropping to his knees beside June and Ellie. He wrapped his arms around both of them, pulling them close against his chest.
"I walked, Dad!" Ellie cheered, hugging his neck tightly. "I ran to June!"
"I saw, sweetheart," Miles whispered, his voice thick with emotion, kissing his daughter’s forehead. "I saw."
Ellie giggled, wriggling out of their embrace. "I’m going to go show Grandma Rose!" she declared, turning and running—slowly, but under her own power—toward the greenhouse.
Miles and June remained sitting together on the soft, cool grass, watching Ellie run.
The warm spring breeze blew through June’s hair. She looked at Miles, noticing how the sharp, dark shadows that had once haunted his face were entirely gone, replaced by a radiant warmth and peace.
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"She’s going to be completely fine, Miles," June said gently.
"I know," Miles replied. He turned to look at June, his dark eyes filled with an intense, quiet devotion that made June’s heart skip a beat.
