Livy was never the one to be excited about making new friends. That’s exactly why I think Indigo and the tree mean so much to her. Mushroom has become a project for me, but seeing the way my sister interacts with him makes me care about him more.

I want to convince people that plants can get better if you talk to them, and, in return, they can make you better. They’re therapeutic.

“What?” Olivia asks.

I give Indigo a little push in the back with my finger and she starts walking towards the stairs. Grabbing Liv, we follow the black-haired girl.

“They want to cut the tree,” I whisper. “I don’t know much else yet.”

She nods, looking up at me as we walk. “Can I come?”

“Sure.” I take her nose between my fingers, and she bats my hand away with a sad smile.

Mom is in the lounge when we get down. She sits up from the couch and pauses her movie.

“Where are you guys going?”

I see Indigo trying to form a response in her head. Her lips open and close a few times before I decide to speak for her.

“Her grandmother would like to see us.”

She smiles warmly at that, nodding her head in agreement.

“One moment.” Mom raises a finger and goes into the kitchen. “Are you guys staying for the night?” she yells, pots clanging.

I look at Indigo, seeing how disconnected she is, and I don’t know if she’ll accept our help, but whatever the outcome, we have to be there for her. That’s what friends do.

“Yes,” I say. Olivia looks up at me, but Indigo still doesn’t say a word. “If you don’t mind,” I add as Mom enters the room with a tub full of sweets.

“Have fun and give these to her,” Mom smiles, and Indigo gives the tiniest smile back.

We go to the door and say our goodbyes. On the way to Indigo’s house, all I can think about is how to make it better.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

INDIGO

I’m already leaping from the car before it stops and running into the backyard. Elias and Olivia shout after me, but their voices seem distant. The thought of getting there too late is all-consuming.

I hear Enya before I see her. “Sir, just wait!”

I round the corner of the house and I’m nearly knocked down by the image before me. A guy with a yellow hardhat has his hands on his hips. He turns to look my way as the bulldozer behind him starts to move.

Knowing that Liv and Elias are here gives me the strength I need to walk toward my nightmare.

I take a deep breath, trying to stop my hands from shaking, knowing that now is not the time to lose my voice.

“Can we talk?” I say as I get closer to Enya and the man.