**A New Beginning**
The morning sun filtered through the soft lace curtains of Lillian and Nicholas’s home, casting golden rays over the cozy living room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint aroma of lavender from the garden. Today felt different—lighter, as if the weight of the past months had lifted, leaving room for something new.
Lillian stood by the kitchen counter, slicing fresh bread she had baked earlier. The quiet hum of the radio filled the air with a cheerful tune. Nicholas entered, carrying a basket of ripe apples from the orchard. He set them on the counter with a grin.
“The apples are perfect this year,” he said, taking one and biting into it. “Crisp, sweet, and exactly what the bakery needs for Clara’s famous pies.”
Lillian laughed, shaking her head. “You sound like a walking advertisement for the farmer’s market.”
Nicholas winked. “Well, if the shoe fits.”
The playful moment was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. Wiping her hands on her a
