Chapter 13 - The Quiet Garden
Three months later, spring arrived at the Carrington estate. The cold, dark memory of the pool terrace had faded under the bright afternoon sun, replaced by blooming white roses and lush green lawns.
Ethan sat on a stone bench near the edge of the terrace, watching Lily play near the shallow fountains. She wore a simple blue summer dress, her golden curls tied back with a white ribbon, her brown teddy bear sitting beside her on the bench—its back neatly repaired with fine silver thread.
The mansion’s west wing had been fully restored, converted into a bright art studio dedicated to Eleanor’s memory. The dark oak door marked XVII had been removed, replaced by open glass doors that allowed the sunlight to flood the hallway.
Lily ran over to her father, holding a small sketchbook filled with bright drawings of flowers, houses, and three stick figures standing hand in hand under a large yellow sun. Ethan picked her up, setting her on his lap as he looked at the drawing, a genuine smile returning to his face for the first time in years.
May you like
"Is that us, Lily?" Ethan asked gently, pointing to the drawing.
Lily nodded, her large blue eyes shining with warmth. "It's you, me, and Mommy," she said softly. "She told me in a dream last night that the door is open now, so she can see us whenever she wants."
