The big day was quickly approaching. Quicker now that papers had been signed and things began to be moved in.

More went into this than what she expected. Sure, she knew it wasn’t going to be easy and just handed to her. She had to chase it, really want it, and seize it.

So she did.

And now she found herself standing still and just breathing. Eyes closed and the smells taken in, the fresh paint, the flowers, the ground coffee. Each mixing with the others, different but still the same to her.

Her work. Part of a dream.

Coming to life.

Eyes open as she looks up into the careful placed fairy lights, looking like stars mixed among the wisteria. And memories began to flood in. Where she used to be, what she used to be. How she never thought she’d survive those dark days, trapped within a drug fueled haze. What he had done to her, made her do, just to get that next fix.

What her mother had filled her head with. That she’d never amount to anything but a trophy wife, that was what her purpose was. Marry some rich guy and take care of her parents. Be quiet, do what she was told and never as questions. She was just a pretty face with a beautiful voice, nothing more.

But not anymore. Her head shakes as a proud smile spreads across her full lips.

No. She was more than what her mother wanted her to be. This girl was making a name for herself. Maybe not the way she had envisioned, but on her own terms.

The keys were clutched tighter in her hand and then held to her chest.

A business woman. Opening a coffee shop.

And Garden Grounds was open.