Chapter 13 - The Healing GardenTo mark the third anniversary of my new life, I decided to host a community workshop in my shop's courtyard, teaching local women about resilient flora—plants that could survive harsh droughts, poor soil, and brutal winters, only to bloom more brilliantly than ever.
The courtyard was filled with laughter, chatter, and the sweet scent of soil and fresh flowers.
Julian stood near the entrance, handing out gardening aprons and smiling warmly at everyone who walked in. When our eyes met across the crowded courtyard, he gave me a wink that made my heart do a familiar, happy flip.
As I stood before the group, holding a resilient green succulent with thick, sturdy leaves, I looked out at the faces of the women listening to me—friends, regular customers, women who had supported me through my darkest days.
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"People often ask me how these plants survive when the conditions get so harsh," I spoke clearly, my voice ringing out across the courtyard. "They don't survive by giving away their roots. They survive by holding onto what nourishes them, shedding what hurts them, and trusting that the sun will always come back around."
Everyone nodded, clapping softly. But inside, I knew I wasn't just talking about plants. I was talking about myself.
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