Chapter 4 — Ava and the Pond

Third Person

The late afternoon sun dipped toward the horizon, its golden light filtering through the trees of the community park. The crisp air carried the faint aroma of pine, mingling with the earthy scent of fallen leaves crunching underfoot. Rosie Owens adjusted the strap of her worn tote bag, her fingers brushing against the cool metal of her bracelet. Ava skipped ahead of her, curls bouncing with every step, her glittery pink dream journal clutched tightly in one hand and a twig in the other.