Chapter 22 - The Land
Midland Ridge approached a third time.
Five years after the accident.
The county had changed zoning.
Offer:
$4.4 million for thirty acres.
I considered.
That surprised everyone.
Megan asked:
“I thought you’d never sell.”
“I said no because I wanted to say no.”
“And now?”
“Now I might say yes because I want to.”
Agency.
That was the difference.
I sold twelve acres.
Not thirty.
The least sentimental portion near highway.
Used proceeds to:
Pay remaining accessibility renovations.
Replenish long-term care reserve.
Create education fund for my niece? We don't have niece. Better donated small amount and invest remainder. Keep ordinary.
Invest.
No grand charity.
No revenge purchase.
Cedar Hollow remained twenty six acres.
House.
Barn.
Windbreak trees.
My father’s orchard.
Enough.
When closing documents arrived, I read every page.
Slowly.
Maya joked:
“Do you want me here?”
“Yes.”
“Because incapable?”
“Because lawyers exist for a reason.”
She smiled.
I signed.
My hand shook slightly from old nerve damage.
Signature imperfect.
May you like
Still mine.
That mattered.
