CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - The Unexpected Arrival

One sunny afternoon, as Ella was arranging flowers on the tables for the dinner service, the bell above the door chimed. She looked up to see Mrs. Thompson entering, a concerned look on her face. "Mrs. Thompson," Ella greeted warmly. "What brings you in so early?" The older woman sighed, settling into a chair. "Oh, Ella dear. I'm afraid there's some trouble brewing in town." Ella's brow furrowed as she sat across from Mrs. Thompson. "What kind of trouble?" "Well," Mrs. Thompson began, her voice low, "there's talk of organizing a protest against the expansion. Some folks are worried it'll change the character of our town, bring in too many outsiders." Ella felt her heart sink. Just when things had started to look up, a new challenge presented itself. "But surely they can see the benefits? The jobs it'll create, the boost to the local economy?" Mrs. Thompson patted Ella's hand. "Change is never easy, dear. Especially in a small town like ours. But don't you worry. I've been talking