“Absolutely. Tammy says they’re demanding a crazy high price, but no one’s buying. The condo is old. The building’s shaky. So they’re still sitting there arguing.”
Kiana shook her head.
So they hadn’t been able to coexist after all.
Greed and mutual blame had done their work.
“Well, let them,” she said calmly. “I don’t care.”
And it was true.
She really didn’t care.
Darius and Ms. Sterling were in the past, and she didn’t want to stir up that past.
Spring came surprisingly early that year.
By March, streams were running along the curbs, the first grass was greening, and buds were opening on the trees lining her street.
Kiana went to work with a light heart, met Michael for coffee or walks, studied English, and read books.
Life was improving.
Not immediately, not all at once, but gradually.
Day by day, she learned to wake up without anxiety and fall asleep without heavy thoughts.
She learned to find joy in small things—a morning cup of coffee, a good book, the warm spring wind blowing through an open window.
In April, the kitchen renovation was finally finished.
Kiana stood in the middle of the updated space and looked around with satisfaction.
Bright cabinets, new appliances, convenient storage.
Everything turned out exactly as she had dreamed.
She invited Shauna over for a little housewarming.
Her friend came with a bottle of wine and a bouquet of tulips.
