A Seed Of Something Greater

Alexis Tae was kicked back at home when the doorbell cut through the quiet. Lumi Ray stood there, grinning, saying she had news worth sharing. Alexis pulled her inside fast. Turned out they'd both been grinding to save that old tree—Alexis digging through records as the town historian, Lumi pushing back as an environmentalist. Tonight the council had pushed their chainsaws back another round. Lumi pulled a sapling from behind her back like a secret weapon. They moved out to the garden, soil still warm from the afternoon sun. Close quarters and accidental touches stacked up—Alexis smearing dirt off Lumi’s cheek, Lumi yanking Alexis’ shirt to save a nipple from flashing. Tension snapped tight between every breath. When the last bit of earth was patted down, Alexis grabbed Lumi’s wrist and nodded toward the house. Inside waited the real celebration.