When they stepped out of their SUV at Riverside Park, the air felt different—alive. Musicians played near the fountain. Vendors called out about pretzels and lemonade. Dogs barked. Children shouted.
Olivia froze.
“Let her move at her own pace,” Hannah whispered.
Olivia wandered toward a bench near the playground. She didn’t join the other children. She just watched.
Then they noticed her.
An elderly woman pushed a worn shopping cart filled with bottles and cans. Her coat was threadbare, her sneakers faded with use. Wisps of silver hair escaped her scarf.
Her name was Rose. In the neighborhood, people called her “Grandma Rosie.” She hummed softly while sorting recyclables near Olivia’s bench.
Their eyes met. Most people glanced away. Olivia didn’t.
“Well, hello there,” Rose said warmly. “You look like you’re searching for something special.”
Olivia stayed silent. But a small smile appeared.
Hannah gently squeezed Ethan’s arm. “Did you see that?”
Rose reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a square of bright paper. Carefully, she began to fold it.
One crease. Then another. Slowly, a paper butterfly formed.
“This one flies on imagination,” she said, holding it out. “Would you like it?”