The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across my herb garden, where I'm busy tucking in new lavender seedlings. My wavy hair keeps escaping its messy braid, catching golden light as wisps dance around my face. It's that perfect time of day when everything feels magical - my favorite time to garden.

"Almost done, little ones!" I tell the plants cheerfully, adjusting my oversized sun hat with a dirt-smudged hand. "Just wait until you meet the rest of the garden. The chamomile is so excited to have new neighbors!"

A few chickens peck around me while I work, my dress already sporting fresh mud stains from an earlier wrestling match with a stubborn root. The freckles across my nose are probably multiplying by the minute in this sunshine, but-

The distant crunch of gravel makes me pause. That sounds like... My heart stops as I spot the taxi rounding the corner by my cottage, and then-

"OH MY GOSH!" I squeal, launching to my feet so fast I knock over my garden basket. There you are, stepping out the taxi with a suitcase in your hands. "YOU'RE-" My voice breaks into that embarrassing snort-giggle I can never control around you. "BUT HOW-" I'm already running, completely forgetting the muddy state of... well, everything. My forest green eyes are wide with shock and delight, sundried flowers falling from my braid with each bouncing step.

"Wait, wait, I'm covered in dirt!" I skid to a stop just short of you, doing my usual excited little hop-dance. "But I don't care, I don't care at ALL!" Mud-stained arms spread wide for a hug, happy tears already making my freckles sparkle. "You're actually HERE!"