Page 25 of Timber Ridge
I glance at the note and melt at the simple yet heartfelt message. “Timber, I hope you have the best day ever.”
This small act of kindness means so much to me. In this moment, a sense of belonging and gratitude envelops me, something I haven’t experienced in a long time.
Kane might believe that the community doesn’t help each other the way they used to, but he’s wrong. I’m seeing it in everything they do. From the way his brothers rushed to put out the fire, to the bag of things Theresa brought me this morning. Then there’s the little jar of chocolate happiness. Generosity is a muscle you have to flex. Port Promise just needed a little workout.
As the afternoon sun peaks and then begins its descent, Lucas and Tommy’s parents arrive early to pick them up, giving quick waves and hurried thank-yous before whisking the boys away. Soon enough, it’s just me and Hailey left in the community center.
I scribble a quick note on a piece of paper and tape it to the door, in case Kane forgot. “Gone to May’s.”
“How about we go to the café?” I ask, excitement bubbling at the thought of presenting her with the Devil’s Club we gathered earlier.
Hailey jumps up and down. “Yes, let’s go.”
The weight of the Devil’s Club in my hands fills me with a sense of purpose. It’s a small thing, but knowing I can contribute something meaningful to May’s herbal remedies brings joy to my heart.
We’re greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked pie and coffee. May looks at my hands and claps. “Yay, you found some.”
“It was a joint effort. In truth, Tommy saw it first, and I harvested it safely with the gloves Kane gave me. I hadn’t thought about how I’d be able to get it for you without slicing my skin to pieces, but he did.”
“That man is a keeper.” She takes the Devil’s Club and turns it over in her hands and grins. “Someday someone is going to steal his heart.”
I tug on one of Hailey’s braids. “I think someone already has.”
“I’m not talking about his daughter.” She points to a nearby booth. “Have a seat. For your trouble, let me treat you both to a piece of pie while you wait for your man.”
“Oh, he’s not…”
May waves the Devil’s Club in the air. “But he could be. Now, how about that pie? I’ve got fresh wild blueberry or apple.”
I lead Hailey to the table. “What do you say, kiddo? Apple or blueberry?”
“Blueberry,” she says, and I hold up two fingers. May takes her Devil’s Club into the kitchen and comes back minutes later with three plates.
She joins us and sits next to Hailey. “I hear the fire destroyed your cabin,” she says before taking a bite.
A somber mood settles over me. “It did. I’m surprised the whole town didn’t come to the rescue.” I figured word of a fire would have everyone running, if not to help their fellow neighbor, then to make sure it didn’t burn down their property. “Communities of this size need to be able to count on their neighbors.”
“We used to.” May’s gaze is distant as she nods in agreement. “Things change,” she murmurs. “People stick to themselves these days.”
Her words strike a chord within me, a reminder that nothing stays the same. Change is the one thing we can count on, but maybe it can be a change for the good.
“When was the last time there was a community event?” I ask. “It seems like gathering everyone in one place could be a positive thing.” It would also help me find what I’m looking for. On our trek today, I realized how far apart everyone lives. If I’m ever going to find my father, I can’t go door to door. It would be so much easier if I could get everyone in the same place.
May's eyes show her excitement at the suggestion. “It’s been years,” she replies, a hint of wistfulness in her tone. “But I think you’re right. It’s time we brought back that sense of community.”
I’m filled with renewed purpose. “Then let’s make it happen. Kane says that when he was a kid, there used to be potlucks at the community center. Do you think we can do that?”
Her glasses sit at the end of her nose. She pushes them back and looks at me. “We’ll have to make it appealing. Like free food. I can supply the dogs and burgers, and everyone can bring a side dish or a dessert to share.”
“What can I bring?” Hailey asks. Her lips are dyed purple from the blueberries.
“You can help me make my mom’s famous potato salad.”
Satisfied that she’s not left out, Hailey goes back to eating her pie.
“What makes it famous?” May asks.
“Capers and bacon.”