CHAPTER NINETY FOUR - An Ally or an Enemy Revealed?

Ella Montgomery sat on a checkered blanket, watching her daughter Sophia toddle after a bright yellow butterfly. The little girl's laughter echoed across the green expanse, a sound that never failed to bring a smile to Ella's face. "Careful, sweetie," Ella called out as Sophia ventured a bit too close to a nearby flowerbed. "Remember what Mommy said about the bees?" Sophia turned, her chubby cheeks flushed with excitement. "Bees sting!" she exclaimed, proudly reciting the lesson. Ella chuckled. "That's right, my little genius. Now come here and have some apple slices." As Sophia made her way back to the blanket, a commotion erupted near the park entrance. People were rushing towards Main Street, their excited chatter carrying on the wind. "What in the world?" Ella muttered, scooping Sophia into her arms. Curiosity piqued, she folded up the blanket and headed towards the growing crowd. "Ella! Ella!" A familiar voice called out. It was Mrs. Thompson, waving frantically from the edg