After what felt like hours, Sera found herself near the bridge at the edge of town that leads to the lumber mill. An old, iron truss bridge that has been standing since the late 1800s, a symbol of endurance after the fire that nearly destroyed the town. She was tired from walking and leaned against the outer railing, looking over the river and at the sunset. The sky glowed with colorful shades of orange, pink and red peaking around and through a few thin clouds. Sera was mesmerized by the beauty of it. She watched as the bright hues dimmed into purples and eventually to the black of night. Sera didn’t know how long she stood there watching, but it was the happiest, most peaceful she has felt in a long time.

5/2/2025, 11:50:29 PM