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Story: As It Was

“I want to see it before I sell it.”
“And that’s another thing I’m not letting you do.”
“What?Why?”
“Because I know you. You’ll want to stay. You’ll see some shabby little town and think it’s right for you.”
Dammit.He may not always understand me, but he was right about this one.
Strawberry Springs was the kind of place where everyone knew each other. And to a girl who didn’t even know her neighbors, that sounded nice.
“Just get the deed and sell it. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
He seemed so sure about it.
“Have you ever felt this way?” I asked. “Like you’re in the wrong place, and you want things to go back to how they were?”
“No, of course not.” He shook his head. “I know exactly how I want my life to be.”
A million thoughts fought for dominance, but none of them were kind. I swallowed all of it and crossed my arms, looking out at the city.
I wanted this feeling to go away. I wanted to like Nashville, the city everyone told me I should love.
But I didn’t.
2
CAIN
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor
Look at my little man, ready for school! He’s got@Nicole Rudderas his teacher! Gosh, I remember when she was a kid.
Comments:
Nicole Rudder: Did you have to tag me?
Kerry Winsor: Um, YES. I’m proud of you both!
Jackie Anne: Oh, you have Nicole! Congrats.
Kerry Winsor: Does anyone else have Nicole?? Who are his classmates gonna be? I need to know who I can chat with about all of these things. Other than Nicole, of course.
Nicole Rudder: Please remember that I have to be professional.
Kerry Winsor: I helped you fix your hair after you turned it orange in high school. Considering I never told your dad, I get a special pass.
Nicole Rudder:You’re lucky he doesn’t have Facebook!
The chickens swarmedme when I walked into their run. I had a ton of them, so it felt a little like being drowned by fowl, but the second I threw the food down, they went for that.
Except for one.
My favorite chicken, Hennifer, flew to my shoulder. She did this every morning since she knew I’d give her something special whenever she landed without scratching me.
“Good job,” I said, holding out my hand, which held her daily treat. “There you go.”

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