Chapter 23 - The Next Generation
Summer arrived with long, warm days that stretched late into the evening, painting the Colorado skies in shades of amber and rose.
Little Tristan had turned two, and his curiosity about the world around him was boundless. Every Saturday morning, he insisted on "helping" me in the garden, watering the soil around the base of the grand maple tree by the driveway with a tiny plastic watering can.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, as we knelt together in the dirt, a sleek federal transport vehicle pulled up to the curb.
Amanda Cole stepped out, wearing a sharp summer blazer, carrying a thick binder under one arm. She walked up the driveway with a bright smile.
"Sorry to interrupt weekend gardening duties," Amanda called out as she approached.
I stood up, brushing the dirt off my jeans. "You're always welcome, Amanda. What brings you out to the suburbs?"
She tapped the thick binder. "The federal reallocation committee just approved the national expansion grant for the Vance Family Sanctuary. You're opening three new regional chapters across the Midwest by next spring."
May you like
I caught my breath, a wave of profound emotion washing over me. "Nationwide? Are you serious?"
"Dead serious," Amanda smiled warmly. "Tristan’s legacy is about to help thousands of families who are standing right where you stood. The paperwork is finalized. All we need is your signature."
