Lena had lived in the small town of Evergreen for all her life. Nestled between rolling hills and thick forests, Evergreen was a place where time seemed to stand still. The same families had lived there for generations, and the rhythm of life was predictable, comforting even. Lena liked it that way. Change, in her eyes, was an unwelcome guest.

But change was coming, whether Lena wanted it or not.

One crisp autumn morning, a notice appeared on the town’s bulletin board: "New Highway Construction to Begin." The town buzzed with rumors and speculation. Some saw it as an opportunity for growth, while others, like Lena, felt a...