A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

After paying their respects to Kermit, Calliope and Silas made their way back to the old family house.

The place was still packed with stuff, including some belongings from Calliope's three brothers.

Calliope texted her brothers to let them know she'd be sorting through their things, since they didn't have time to come back themselves.

Silas had brought a small crew along, so the actual heavy lifting got handed over to them while Calliope took a breather.

It was getting late when the mayor, Neil, showed up with a few of the neighbors. They'd heard Calliope was back in town and came by to see her.

"Callie, girl! You're finally home! We missed you like crazy!" someone called out, grinning from ear to ear.

Neil, an older guy with a kindly but serious look, walked up to Calliope. "Callie, about the house... have you made up your mind?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, if you don't want it torn down, I can try to think of another way. I don't like the idea of demolishing it either. When I called, it wasn't to pressure you into anything."

Calliope smiled softly. "I know, Neil. You're attached to this place too. But if the town needs to build that new road, the house has to go. I'm okay with it. Grandpa always said if it helped the town, he'd be fine with it too. Besides, we hardly ever make it back here anyway. It's sad, but it's just time."

eyes got a little misty. "Once it's gone, you kids will probably visit even less,

"Yeah, we're really going to miss

neighbor added. "Bring

always had the best taste in men!" someone

Silas to the little

suddenly turned into the perfect son-

kid!" an old lady

on the shoulder. "This might be your

Callie's granddad isn't with

us

but you're family now. You're

an envelope-fat and a little crumpled-and handed it

they weren't exactly rolling in cash, but the

"Callie's like a daughter to this town. That makes you

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