CHAPTER 69 AUTUMN NOSTALGIA

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves and wood smoke as Jenna stood at the kitchen window, a steaming mug of coffee warming her hands. Outside, the trees were ablaze with color, their leaves a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. It was her favorite time of year, a season that always filled her with a bittersweet nostalgia. As she watched Ryan and Lily in the backyard, raking leaves into a giant pile, a memory washed over her. She was suddenly transported back to her childhood, jumping into similar piles with her father, the sound of her mother's laughter ringing in her ears. The realization hit her with startling clarity – Lily was now the same age Jenna had been in that cherished memory. Time was moving too fast, slipping through her fingers like the falling leaves outside. "Mommy! Come play!" Lily's excited voice broke through her reverie. Jenna smiled, setting down her mug and grabbing her jacket. As she stepped outside, the cool air nipped at her che