The day after the party, the realtor called Spencer to remind her that the old store would be coming out of escrow shortly, and she wanted to give Spencer an opportunity to say goodbye to it if she wanted to. It seemed like a foolish gesture, but it meant a great deal to Spencer. So much of her life had been spent at the store in Chelsea. So many wonderful things had happened there, so many people she loved had been there before her, so many dreams had been born in that building, and so many people had been touched by what happened there. Her life and her future had taken form in that store, and even the lives of her children were touched by it.
She quietly walked through the building remembering the events that had taken place, the precious moments that had touched her life forever, the people she had loved who were the essence of it.
She thought she would be leaving them all behind when she sold it, but as she stood there, she realized that she was taking them with her. She had thought that the magic was in the structure in Chelsea, only to discover that it was within her, woven into the tapestry of her life and her being. And now new people had come into her life and were part of the magic too.
By some miracle, she and Mike had found each other, and had traveled their lifetimes to get here. Worthy opponents, beloved friends, loving partners, and together, they were taking the magic with them and adding to it with new memories and adventures.
Her footsteps echoed in the hall as she walked to the front door for the last time, turned, and looked at the building, imprinting the memories on her heart.
And then she walked through the front door and closed it softly behind her.
Mike was waiting for her outside, and he looked into her eyes when she came out.
“Ready?” he asked her, and she nodded. He knew how hard it had been for her to sell it, but so much lay ahead of them now, so much to look forward to. She remembered her grandfather’s words, “Never be afraid of change.”
“Ready,” she answered in a strong, clear voice, as he put an arm around her, and they walked down the street together. She looked up at him and smiled, and he pulled her closer. He had protected her, and she had been brave for him. They had proven that they were worthy of each other. Her grandfather would have been so proud, as they walked down the street into their future, taking the legacy with them like a blessing.