“That’d be great,” Clara said. “We appreciate all the work you’ve done so far and would love to be part of that in any way we can. We want to become part of the community, not just outsiders who bought up the bed and breakfast to make a quick buck. We want to build something sustainable.”
“I love that,” Brittany said. “Why don’t you come over to our house for dinner sometime? This week maybe? We can discuss ideas for the future and get to know each other a bit better.”
Ezra and Clara looked to each other, mirroring each other’s excitement.
“We’d love to,” Clara said. The couples exchanged information and figured out a time that would work best for all of them.
“I’m so excited to see what we’ll do together,” Brittany said.
“Me too,” Ezra replied, happy enough to set the ghosts aside.
22
That day of retail therapy turned out to be great for Ezra and Clara. They settled on color schemes that were reminiscent of Victorian times, with dusty shades of pink and purple, and muted hues of blue and green. They picked out wallpaper typical of the era, while leaving most of the flooring alone since it’d be much more work. Though they decided to splurge on the flooring in the dining area, which had been worn down by consistent use.
They made out well at antique shops, finding plenty of vintage pieces to add to their collection. The aesthetic Clara had in mind was coming together perfectly. It was a little on the darker side in places, inspired by her literary heroes of the time, but she thought it would still draw people in. She hoped it would anyway.
Regardless, they were creating something they loved and could be happy with, proud of. They felt a lot better once they returned home, and Ezra managed to get through the night without any nightmares plaguing him. He woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the day for the first time since his father died.
Ezra wasn’t about to take any chances of the mood souring though. He still had almost a week before his doctor’s appointment, and he didn’t want to take a turn for the worse during that time. A small part of him wanted to prove to himself that he could do better on his own, without going to the doctor at all. At the very least though, he wanted to start making strides to better mental health before things could go too far. He wanted to show Clara he was taking this seriously and could do better. He would do better.
He started off the day with a healthy breakfast to get himself fueled properly, while listening to happy, bright start to your day kind of music. He took a nice hot shower to wake himself up, then headed out for an early morning walk while Clara remained sleeping.
He had missed the sunrise, but the day still felt fresh and new. There was a quietness to the unpolluted air. A promise that he could be productive, get better, and create happiness here. He just had to stay on top of his wellness. He had to take time out for himself. He was so used to working nonstop in Chicago that he hadn’t taken the proper time to care for himself, and it was showing.
Plus, Ezra’s father’s voice was taking up a lot of space in the back of his head lately, insisting that real men didn’t have to worry about mental health. Real men didn’t struggle with emotions. Real men could get through anything just by being tough.
He was done with that though. Moving here had given him a chance to be a new person, and he was going to be the best version of himself he could be.
Finches brave enough to stay through winter sang their happiness that there was no snow falling today. Snow from previous chilly evenings remained though, crunching under Ezra’s feet. Heavy branches sheltered him from above, while the winter air refreshed him without biting back like it often did. The temperature was above freezing, a nice change, and the sun was trying its best to remind everyone of spring days to come. These cold days wouldn’t last forever.
Ezra drew in a deep breath, focusing on how it filled his lungs. It was a reminder he was here. He was alive. He let the air out through his nose, letting go of the stress. He was okay. He was safe. He was grounded.
He needed these moments to right himself. As much as he loved Clara and being around her, and as grateful as he was for Nathaniel’s help, he’d been craving some isolation. Simply putting some space between himself and the bed and breakfast was a relief.
He could do this. He could do this. He could…
A truck slowing as it neared him gave him pause. He couldn’t think of anyone who would want to stop and talk to him, but being so new to town, he didn’t want to shun anyone either. So, he stopped as the truck stopped. The window rolled down. Sam’s face was revealed.
“Good morning!” Sam said, with the same brightness he held at the hardware store.
“Morning,” Ezra replied, only slightly annoyed at being interrupted during his walk.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” Sam said, surprising Ezra. They had talked just the day before. What else could he possibly need to discuss before their upcoming dinner plans? “I’m heading out to get coffee now before I start my day. I know the best coffee shop; they whip up a mean espresso. Would you care to join me?”
Ezra wasn’t really in the mood for conversing
