43. Adulting

Gideon unrolled the large architectural blueprint across the wooden table. Avla leaned over his shoulder, her fingers tracing the outlined structures that would soon become reality.

"What do you think about positioning the houses like this?" Gideon asked, pointing to a cluster of rectangles sketched neatly on the paper. "I thought they could circle a common area for each block—maybe with a fire pit or something."

Avla looked up. Her eyes met his. "I love the idea of a place like that. It makes it feel more like a community, less isolated. Maybe we could also add gardens?"

Gideon smiled, jotting down the idea on a notepad beside him. "Gardens. Great idea. Fresh herbs and vegetables could be a nice touch for everyone."

Their hands brushed as they reached to move some of the tools and pens scattered across the table, both feeling a little electric charge.

"I keep thinking about the kids," Avla said, "and the families we'll be housing here. I want them to have space to grow, to play.