Daisy grew up in a tiny apartment in San Myshuno, only child to an elder mom, Edna, who worked part-time jobs to make ends meet. Edna never spoke of Daisy’s dad, and Daisy never asked. Edna was a loving mother and although they had little in the way of material goods, she gave her daughter all the love and care she could.

While Daisy enjoyed the hustle and bustle of The Spice Market, she dreamed of having her own place—of green grass beneath her feet, spreading tree branches above her head. A life with dirt underneath her fingernails, freshly baked bread, meals prepared from scratch using ingredients she had grown herself. The fact that she had never even so much as planted a tomato seed or that they never cooked but ordered from the food stalls didn’t dampen Daisy’s dreams.

Then one rainy day, Daisy came home from high school to discover tragic news. Her mom had been hospitalized. Disliking technology and lacking the funds, Daisy didn’t have a cell phone. She was greeted by the landlord who went with Daisy to the hospital. Edna was not conscious when Daisy nervously approached the hospital bed. She held her mom’s hand and told her she loved her. Daisy felt a feeble squeeze of her hand as though Edna had heard Daisy. A smile formed on Edna’s lips, her eyes fluttered open, and she whispered, “Make your dreams come true. I love you, Daisy.”

And then she was gone leaving Daisy an orphan. She was still a high school student. Her mother had encouraged her studying rather than obtaining a part-time job, so Daisy didn’t even work. She wasn’t a spectacular student, either. Edna’s family was long gone as she had been the youngest in her family. Daisy had no clue about her father and not even a name. Days turned into a few weeks as Daisy went through the motions of daily life.

Rent was due. Edna had no savings and her last paycheck had been deposited the day before she passed. Daisy knew she had no more time to wallow in grief. As she collected the mail, she opened an envelope from SNB. She pulled out a check, “Life Insurance Policy for Edna Bloom” for §1,000. Her mom had a life insurance policy? That was something. Daisy called the landlord who came over as soon as she could.

“That is something. I’m sorry to say, though, Daisy, that won’t cover the rent. I’m also concerned that now it’s public knowledge of your mother’s passing and your financial situation someone will notify social services. Your mom was a good person, and I’d like to help you as much as I can. Do you have any ideas?”

Daisy found herself opening up to the landlord. After she finished, she leaned back in the chair wondering what she had just done.

But the landlord had said she’d help. “Living in a tiny home and becoming a freelance botanist? Well, that is definitely a worthy goal, and I know your mom would want you to try. I do have a friend who has a piece of property in Willow Creek. I can contact her to see if she’d rent it to you.”

They talked for a while, formulating a solid plan, and Daisy went to bed that night with a little lighter heart. The next few days were busy for her. She went through all of her mother’s belongings, deciding which to keep and which to sell or donate. Daisy found a few letters in her mom’s dresser and sat down to read them. She learned that her mother had been raised in a town called Glimmerbrook and was the youngest of thirteen siblings. The last letter was from a neighbor who was writing to let Edna know that all of her siblings had now passed on and she was sole heir to the estate. Much of what was written made no sense to Daisy and before she could wonder anymore, thoughts of the Bloom family disappeared as she read the next letter, written in green ink on parchment.

Dear Edna,

I’m writing to let you know that Ethren has retired and gone to live permanently in The Realm. Although he sees your secret, he has always respected your wishes though he cannot understand. We hope you’ll find it in your heart to come back someday. If you cannot, I understand. He asks me to send this with his love.

Regards,

S. Silversweater

It really made no sense, but the pressed daisy inside made Daisy shiver a little bit. A silken white ribbon was wrapped around it with the words “A Lily Will Bloom in Glimmerbrook Once More” embroidered in green thread. Shaking off the strange feeling, Daisy put the letters back in the biscuit tin.

Over the next days, Daisy sold most of the apartment furnishings earning enough to purchase a used and fully furnished camper. Two things appealed to Daisy about the tiny house for sale: it was yellow and it was affordable.

Moving day arrived, and Daisy climbed into the pickup truck that would tow her new home to her new life. Excitement and anticipation grew larger than her trepidation.