Page 52 of Radar (Iniquus Certified Cerberus Tactical K9 #2)

Elyssa stood in her bright pink dress that hung to her ankles and billowed in the wind. Her hand lay protectively on her rounded belly, where her daughter kicked her tiny feet.

Radar sat at her side, looking his regal self, wearing a service dog vest with medical alert patches and a tag that had his proper name.

And in the first row, front and center, Xander stood with their son straddling his shoulders, holding his ankles. “Look at, mommy, Eddie Ben. See her with those big scissors? She’s going to cut the red bow, and when she does, we’ll clap and yell very loud.”

Elyssa sent her gaze around the hundreds who had gathered.

“Good afternoon, all. I am Dr. Elyssa Belov the engineer who developed the science behind your project. I believe that food is a human right. I am incredibly proud of this day and of all the hard work this village has put into making your vertical farm a reality. My compliments to you all. Today, WorldCares opens its very first vertical farm and grocery store, designed to protect your community. In a natural disaster, there is enough room in the store to shelter everyone in the village. The cisterns will capture rainwater during the monsoon for use throughout the year, keeping fruits and vegetables healthy. And the mesh that covers the building not only protects the structure from flying debris in the case of a typhoon, but also captures any moisture in the air and allows it to accumulate into water droplets that are collected below, further insurance that a dry year will not leave you without sustenance. The farm is meant to be a gathering place for community and kindness.” She stepped forward.

“And with that, WorldCares declares that their first vertical farm is open!” Elyssa snipped with her ridiculously large ceremonial scissors.

The ribbon cut, and the cheers went up.

Elyssa stood there, her hand on Radar’s head, looking at Xander with tears in her eyes.

Xander shouted out. “This calls for a victory dance!”

A woman in a bright-colored caftan stepped forward, and her rich voice rode the wind with joyful notes. Everyone who had gathered joined in the song as they danced their celebration.

Elyssa made her way into Xander’s arms, “Thank you,” she said laying her head on his heart.

And amidst the celebration, their family stood as a tight knot of love all doing their “little bit” of good.

The END