13:A MORNING IN THE GARDEN

After Liam and David left, the house settled into a quiet rhythm. Elena began clearing the table, stacking the plates and cups with practiced efficiency. Ivy, eager to help, joined her, carefully wiping down the surfaces with disinfectant wipes. The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on their faces as they worked side by side.

Elena glanced at Ivy, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and concern. "Ivy, remember to be careful today. Your health is the most important thing. Take it easy and don't overexert yourself, okay?"

Ivy nodded, appreciating her mother's constant vigilance. "I will, Mom. Don't worry."

Elena set down the last plate and turned to Ivy, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I love you, sweetheart. Take care of yourself."

"I love you too, Mom," Ivy replied, feeling the warmth of her mother's embrace.

Elena gave Toby a quick pat on the head before grabbing her bag and heading out the door. "I'll see you later, Ivy. Be good."

"Bye, Mom," Ivy called after her, watching as Elena walked down the path to her car. The sound of the engine starting and the car pulling away signaled the beginning of another day.

With the house now quiet, Ivy turned her attention to Toby. The little Shih Tzu puppy looked up at her with eager eyes, his tail wagging in anticipation. Ivy smiled and took Toby's leash, clipping it onto his collar. "Ready for our walk, Toby?"

Toby barked happily, his excitement contagious. Ivy opened the back door and stepped out into the garden, Toby trotting beside her.

The garden was a sanctuary, a place where Ivy could escape the confines of her illness and find solace in nature. It was a sprawling space, meticulously maintained by Elena, who had a green thumb and a passion for gardening. The garden was divided into several sections, each with its own unique charm.

To the left, a small vegetable patch thrived, with rows of tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers standing tall. The vibrant colors of the vegetables contrasted beautifully with the rich, dark soil. Ivy loved watching the plants grow, each day bringing new blossoms and fruits.

Next to the vegetable patch was a herb garden, filled with the fragrant scents of basil, rosemary, and thyme. The herbs were neatly arranged in raised beds, their leaves glistening with morning dew. Ivy often helped her mother harvest the herbs, their fresh aroma filling the kitchen during meal preparations.

In the center of the garden was a large, circular flower bed, bursting with a riot of colors. Roses, daisies, and tulips bloomed in a harmonious blend, their petals swaying gently in the breeze. Butterflies flitted from flower to flower, adding a touch of magic to the scene. Ivy loved sitting by the flower bed, watching the delicate dance of the butterflies and feeling the soft petals under her fingers.

A stone path meandered through the garden, leading to a small pond at the far end. The pond was home to a family of koi fish, their bright orange and white scales shimmering in the clear water. Ivy often sat by the pond, tossing bits of food to the fish and watching them dart around playfully.

Surrounding the pond were tall, graceful willow trees, their branches hanging low and creating a natural canopy. The shade provided a cool respite from the sun, and Ivy enjoyed sitting under the trees, reading a book or simply listening to the sounds of nature.

To the right of the pond was a cozy seating area, with a wooden bench and a small table. Elena had decorated the space with colorful cushions and potted plants, making it a perfect spot for morning tea or an afternoon chat. Ivy often sat there with her family, sharing stories and enjoying the tranquility of the garden.

As Ivy walked along the stone path, Toby trotted beside her, occasionally stopping to sniff at the plants or chase a butterfly. The garden was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, a symphony of nature that brought peace to Ivy's heart.

She reached the pond and sat down on the edge, watching the koi fish swim gracefully. Toby settled beside her, his head resting on her lap. Ivy stroked his soft fur, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. The garden was her haven, a place where she could forget about her illness and simply be.

Ivy spent the next hour exploring the garden, checking on the plants and enjoying the fresh air. She watered the vegetable patch, making sure each plant received enough moisture. She gently pruned the herbs, removing any wilted leaves to encourage new growth. She admired the flowers, marveling at their beauty.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Ivy felt a sense of accomplishment. The garden was thriving, a testament to her mother's hard work and dedication. It was a place of life and growth, a reminder that even in the face of challenges, beauty could flourish.

After spending a peaceful hour in the garden and noticing the sun climbing higher in the sky, its rays growing warmer. She decided it was time to take Toby inside. "Come on, Toby," she called softly, and the little Shih Tzu puppy perked up, following her obediently back to the house.

Once inside, Ivy led Toby to the bathroom. She filled a small basin with lukewarm water and gently placed Toby in it. The puppy splashed around playfully, making Ivy laugh. She carefully washed his fur, using a mild shampoo that smelled of lavender. Toby seemed to enjoy the attention, his tail wagging happily as Ivy scrubbed him clean.

After rinsing off the soap, Ivy wrapped Toby in a soft towel and dried him thoroughly. His fur fluffed up adorably, and Ivy couldn't resist giving him a gentle hug. "All clean now, Toby," she said, smiling at the puppy's contented expression.

Next, Ivy took Toby to the kitchen and prepared his meal. She measured out a portion of high-quality puppy food, making sure it was balanced and nutritious. Toby watched eagerly, his eyes bright with anticipation. Ivy placed the bowl on the floor, and Toby immediately began eating with gusto.