"Yeah, now that Kermit''s gone, it''s only right we look out for Callie!"


    "She''s like a daughter to us."


    "Honestly, she is family!"


    Everyone chimed in, crowding around Calliope and Ss, making it clear they''d stand up for her no matter what.


    They weren''t just making conversation-they wanted Ss to know he''d better treat Callie right.


    Sure, her grandpa wasn''t around anymore, but the whole town had her back like a second family. If Ss ever hurt her, he''d have the entire neighborhood to answer to.


    Calliope felt a little choked up by their warmth.


    Ss, too, looked around and nodded approvingly. He knew Calliope had always gotten the short end of the stick with the Jewell family—ignored, picked on, never really seen. But here, among these neighbors, she was loved, protected, and cherished. You could tell everyone genuinely wanted the best for her.


    After a bit of chatting, Neil stepped up to organize dinner. The town had amunity hall, and as soon as folks heard Calliope and Ss were back, they''d all gathered there, tossing together a potluck banquet.


    As they walked, Neil kept Calliope updated on all thetest changes in town.


    "Honestly, Callie, we owe so much to you and your granddad. Without your help back in the day, the town wouldn''t havee this far."


    Calliope smiled. "Oh, we didn''t do that much. You''ve been a great mayor! And the folks here are just lucky, I guess."


    "Meeting you two was the real blessing for this town."


    Theyughed and joked all the way to themunity hall.


    The ce was new. Calliope had never seen it before. But it was impressive, full of life and warmth. She couldn''t help but notice how much the town had grown, and she knew deep down, she and Kermit had yed a big part in that.


    Even after moving away, she''d quietly helpedunch a few projects, nudging the town''s progress along.


    Once they sat down, people came by to greet Calliope, and she made a point of introducing Ss to everyone.


    Ss, despite his city-slicker air, shook hands and smiled with real warmth. No snobbishness, no


    Ofness. The locals warmed to him right away.


    The conversation was lively,ughter echoing through the hall.


    At dinner, Calliope and Neil sat together, talking about the town''stest venture- tourism. Things were looking up.


    Ss soon joined in, listening with interest and even hinting he might invest in the town''s future.


    Just as everyone was digging into their fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade pies, the happy mood was suddenly broken.


    A young man about Calliope''s age burst through the door, blood on his shirt.


    "Neil!"


    The whole room went dead silent.


    "Ryan, what happened?" someone called out.


    "Yeah, Ryan, sit down! Callie just got back, let''s eat. Can''t this wait?"


    But Ryan''s eyes darted to Neil,


    "It''s nothing, really. I just milel


    anxious. He forced a shaky


    quick word with Neil." Cont


    Calliope frowned, her face turning serious. "Ryan, is that blood? Are you hurt? Did


    something happen?"


    Ryan had been her childhood friend,


    always steady and reliable. Seeing


    him


    this shaken, Calliope knew?


    something was very wrong.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!