But it was a beginning.
Lily loved the cave.
That surprised me.
She found my grandfather’s box fascinating.
She read his letter.
Then said.
“He knew you’d come here.”
“Maybe.”
“That’s creepy.”
I laughed.
“Your great-grandfather would love that.”
She met Patch.
Patch adored her instantly.
Traitor.
Then she asked about building.
I showed her my sketches.
A one-room cabin.
Tiny kitchen.
Sleeping loft.
Bathroom eventually.
A porch.
Lily stared at them.
“You drew these?”
“Yes.”
“You’re good.”
“My grandfather taught me basic plans.”
“Why didn’t you ever do this before?”
I looked at her.
“Life went somewhere else.”
She nodded.
Neither of us needed details.
Building permits became my next battle.
The county inspector looked at me like I was impossible.
“You cannot just build from scraps.”
“I know.”
“You need approved plans.”
“I know.”
“Septic.”
“I know.”
“Foundation.”
“I know.”
He sighed.
“Then why are you arguing?”
