Dahlia and the Garden of Light - Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Anderson Estate – One Week Later
Morning mist clung to the Anderson manor like a shawl. Inside, the old walls murmured with the sounds of movement: footsteps on polished floors, boxes closing, the quiet bustle of transition.
In the bloom room — now a living forest beneath the earth — vines stretched toward ceiling-lanterns shaped like moons. Dahlia stood with Eliot near a cluster of glowing daisies, her hands trailing through soft petals.
“I don’t think they’re ready for harvest,” she said, listening closely.
Eliot tapped a screen embedded in his tablet. “The ones in zone three are stable. Bioluminescence levels are consistent. I think we can start shipment by next week. Just need to finalize the extraction protocols.”
“You’ve turned this place into a sanctuary,” Dahlia said, her voice soft with pride.
He grinned. “It’s going to be more than that. A network. Covert, sustainable. A root system that reaches every place that’s still bleeding.”
Markus stepped into the bloom room with a quiet nod. “Thomas in Canada is on board. He said he’s already prepping space for a satellite vault. No official paperwork. All shadow systems. I left him your secure contact.”
Eliot exhaled. “Perfect. Canada, South Africa, Brazil. That’s three continents. If we can establish safe channels for distribution, we can set up waystations for petals and plant-based medicine.”
Dahlia looked at them both. “No branding. No logos. Just healing.”
Markus tilted his head. “Not even a little logo?”
She gave him a look.
He raised his hands. “Okay. Just moss and moonlight. Got it.”
—
Upstairs – In the Kitchen
Christian leaned over the counter, rolling up his sleeves as Orchid inspected the medical bag he was repacking.
“Why do you always carry the shiny ones?” she asked, pointing at the surgical scissors.
“Because emergencies don’t wait for proper lighting,” he replied, handing her a bandage to pack.
Mira walked in, her travel bag slung over her shoulder. She looked more at ease than she had in months — a tension still there, but softened by peace.
“You’re really going back to the hospital?” she asked Christian.
He nodded. “They need me. And… honestly, I think I need them.”
“You saved lives out there, not just here,” she said. “Don’t let them forget it.”
“I won’t,” he said, then glanced at Orchid. “Especially now that I have a tiny plant spy who critiques my stitching.”
Orchid puffed proudly. “Mom says I’m detail-oriented.”
—
In the Foyer
Theo was tightening the straps of his travel pack as Antonio supervised from a nearby bench.
“You’re sure about this?” Antonio asked.
Theo shrugged. “Amy and Jack need time. The petals still need to go out. I’ve got my own way of doing things.”
“You always did.” Antonio gave him a long look. “You remind me of William when he was younger.”
Theo blinked. “That’s either really good… or really concerning.”
Antonio laughed. “It’s a compliment. Mostly.”
Eliot came in from the hallway. “Got your coordinates loaded into your satphone. No Wi-Fi, but Dahlia installed a few clever tricks.”
“Like what?” Theo asked.
“Let’s just say if you hum the right tune while standing near trees… you’ll know when to move.”
Antonio stood slowly. “Before you go, all of you… I want to say something.”
The room quieted. Mira stepped closer with Orchid. Christian and Eliot leaned in. Theo paused mid-pack. Markus and Dahlia appeared near the stairs.
“I’m retiring,” Antonio said simply. “Fully, this time. No more shadow missions. No more encrypted channels. I’ve done my part.”
There were no protests. Only silence.
“But I’m not done helping,” he continued. “I’m going to find the others — people like you, like Dahlia and Derek. Anyone out there with gifts. They deserve a choice. Protection. A home if they want it.”
“An Anderson network,” Eliot said softly.
Antonio nodded. “Exactly.”
—
Later – In the Garden
Dahlia sat with Mira on the garden steps, Orchid bouncing nearby with Derek, who showed her how to summon beetles without making them panic.
“You’ll be safe on the island,” Dahlia said.
Mira smiled faintly. “Safer than most places. She needs roots. Real ones. We all do.”
Dahlia looked down. “I wish I had more time with her.”
“You’ll have it,” Mira replied. “Children know what matters. She’s already talking about building you a petal palace on the beach.”
Dahlia chuckled. “She’s ambitious.”
“That’s the part of her that’s yours,” Mira said, eyes warm.
—
By the Driveway – Goodbyes
Three vehicles stood ready. One for Mira, Derek, and Orchid bound for the coast. One for Theo, headed into the jungle to start the next route. One for Christian to return to his hospital shift by dusk.
Hugs were exchanged. Quiet words. Eliot handed Mira a secure transceiver. “Call if anything changes. Even if it’s just weather.”
Orchid gave Dahlia a lumpy woven bracelet. “For good bloom.”
Dahlia knelt, slipping it on. “I’ll wear it always.”
Markus clasped hands with Christian. “If you need backup, just whisper to the vines.”
Christian smiled. “Orchid taught me a song. I think I’m covered.”
"Go forth Sir vines-a-lot." And they all chuckled
finally, Antonio stood at the porch, watching them all.
“Go well,” he said. “And remember… when the world forgets who you are, grow something anyway.”
—
Final Moment – Bloom Room
That evening, Dahlia stood alone in the underground forest. The petals pulsed faintly with stored sunlight. Markus joined her quietly, holding a piece of parchment.
“A list,” he said. “People we’ve helped. Places we’ve touched. It’s longer than I thought.”
Dahlia traced the names. “And it’s only just begun.”
He took her hand.
“Where to next, petal girl?”
She smiled, slow and bright. “Wherever the roots lead.”