CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY ONE – THE LONG WALK

As they set off down the road, Jasmine found herself walking next to the elderly woman with the floral handbag. "I'm Jasmine," she introduced herself. "And this is my friend, Emily." The woman smiled warmly. "Pleasure to meet you, dears. I'm Margaret. I must say, that was quite a speech you gave back there." Jasmine blushed. "Oh, I hope I wasn't too harsh. I just couldn't stand all the arguing." Margaret patted her arm. "Not at all, dear. Sometimes people need a little push to see reason. Reminds me of my late husband, God rest his soul. He always knew how to calm a room." As they walked, Margaret shared stories of her 50-year marriage, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. Jasmine found herself drawn in by the woman's warmth and wisdom. "You know," Margaret said after a while, "I was dreading this doctor's appointment. Been putting it off for months. But now, walking here with all of you, I'm remembering how much I used to love a good adventure." Jasmine smiled. "It's never to