Chapter 5: Planting New Roots
Summer arrived at Willow Lake.
The little cottage overlooked clear water surrounded by wildflowers and tall pine trees.
Sophie planted her first sunflower beside the front porch.
"What if it doesn't grow?" she asked.
Evelyn knelt beside her.
"Then we'll plant another."
"And another?"
"As many as it takes."
Months passed.
The sunflower grew taller than Sophie herself.
Every visitor admired it.
Sophie would proudly smile.
"My mommy says flowers don't give up."
One afternoon, the hotel manager drove out to visit.
He brought exciting news.
"Our staff voted unanimously."
He handed Evelyn a framed certificate.
The hotel had created an annual scholarship called...
The Sophie Flower Grant
It would help children who had survived abuse or family violence pursue art, music, or education.
Sophie looked up.
"They named it after me?"
May you like
"They did," the manager smiled.
"Because brave people help other brave people."
