CHAPTER 6 – EMMA'S GARDEN
That spring, Tyler came to Stephanie with an idea.
"I've been saving money from my part-time job."
Stephanie smiled.
"For what?"
"I want to build something."
Together, they transformed an empty lot beside the community workshop into a memorial garden.
Neighbors volunteered.
Children painted colorful stones.
Parents planted roses, lavender, and white lilies.
At the center stood a simple wooden bench beneath a flowering cherry tree.
Attached to it was a small bronze plaque.
Emma's Garden
"Every child deserves to be remembered."
On opening day, dozens of families gathered.
Some brought photographs.
Others carried balloons.
Many simply carried memories.
Tyler stood quietly beside the bench.
"I used to think being funny meant making people laugh."
He looked at Stephanie.
"Now I know it means helping someone smile."
She hugged him tightly.
May you like
Emma's memory had changed him.
Perhaps that was the greatest gift she could have left behind.
