But slowly, things changed.

She traveled with two women from work.

Started gardening again.

Joined a weekend walking group.

Took a watercolor class she had talked about for years.

And at fifty-three, she decided to start dating.

A few months later, she casually mentioned a man named Julian.

The change in her was impossible to miss.

Whenever his name appeared on her phone, she smiled.

She bought a green dress she absolutely did not need.

Started wearing perfume again.

Went to concerts.

Restaurants.

A botanical garden.