Chapter 11

Natalie, Phoebe, and Celeste left the Locke residence. After turning a corner, they were greeted by a straight asphalt road lined with rows of ginkgo trees. As the wind rustled through the branches, golden leaves fluttered down, carpeting the ground in a shimmering blanket that looked like a scene straight out of a movie. "It's so beautiful!" Phoebe exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. Natalie had seen similar ginkgo avenues in Kingston during her later years, but they had never been this tranquil. They were usually teeming with people snapping photos. With a sense of pride, Celeste said, "Aside from the Celestial Pavilion, Ginkgo Avenue in our Air Force Base Housing is the most beautiful around." As they strolled forward, Celeste pointed out various buildings along the way, explaining, "That's the office area. Over there is the living area, which includes family housing, a cafeteria, a clinic, a school, and a bathhouse. The activity area is in the middle, where you'll find t