Chapter 41

I guided my mother gently out of the car while Zane retrieved our bags from the trunk. The old town greeted us with warm sunshine and the scent of earth after the morning drizzle. It was the same small town where I had spent many childhood summers—my grandmother's home tucked behind the flowering hedges, the wooden gate still creaking like it used to. As we stepped onto the cobblestone path, familiar faces appeared from behind the neighboring houses. "Anna? Is that you?" called out Mrs. Cole, the elderly woman who once ran the local bakery. I turned and smiled softly. "Yes, it's me. We are back for a little while." Mrs. Cole hurried over with a welcoming hug. "Oh, my dear. You look so grown up now, pretty as ever. And your mother… how is she?" "She has been unwell, but she'll feel better in the peace here," I replied and signaled Zane to take Mom inside. He nodded and led Mom into the house. As more neighbors gathered—Mr. Hall from across the street, and cheerful Miss Ivy, who had once