**The Seeds of Change**
The day of the council meeting arrived, bringing with it a mix of nerves and determination. Lillian, Nicholas, and Clara were up early, packing their carefully compiled evidence—letters from neighbors, Mrs. Aldridge’s historic documents, and even photographs of the garden’s history. They were dressed sharply but comfortably, ready to face what felt like the biggest challenge since they’d first arrived in Port Haven.
“Do you think they’ll listen to us?” Clara asked as they loaded everything into the truck. Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to mask it with a confident smile.
“They have to,” Nicholas said firmly, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. “We’re not just fighting for a garden. We’re fighting for everything this place represents.”
Lillian reached over and gave Clara’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “We have the truth and the community behind us. That’s more powerful than any proposal for commercial development.”
The council meeting wa
