“I . . .” Karina hesitated, unsure how to admit what felt like a weakness. “I don’t think so. I feel like I’m just going through the motions, but I’m not sure what it’s leading to. I think . . . I hope . . . there’s more out there.”

“There is,” Micah said in quiet declaration. “There is, Karina.” He handed her a wire basket and opened one of the henhouse doors, where two pale blue eggs sat nestled in the straw. “Sitting in a classroom can feel good, but reality is very different than school. The opportunity to make an impact is right now, every day, in the way you live and work.” He placed one of the eggs in her open palm and she felt its warmth. After collecting a dozen more, they continued walking down the path and through the grounds, as Micah pointed out the sand volleyball court, putting green and tennis court. They approached the horse facilities and were greeted by the familiar smell that took Karina back to visiting the stables with Izzy.

“Isn’t he a beauty?” Micah said as they reached the stall that housed a stately chestnut horse. “He’s a rescue. I took him in after the wildfires last summer displaced a lot of large animals. Unfortunately, no one here knows much about horses. But I did get him this guy for company.” He pointed to a black and white goat in the neighboring stall.

Karina stepped up on the railing and held the back of her hand out below the horse’s nostrils for him to smell her. She was captivated by the enormous eyes that gazed serenely at her, and in that moment, she felt a strong pang for Izzy. She wanted to call and tell her all about meeting Micah, the community garden and her new friends. But their calls had trailed off over the past couple of months, mostly because Karina couldn’t quite bring herself to tell Izzy the full truth of what had happened that night with Henry. She had gotten as far as telling her she’d been with a guy, the first since James, and it hadn’t felt right, only made her sad. She was too ashamed to admit the rest, and ever since then, the thought of talking to Izzy, who knew her so well and would know something was wrong, became harder and harder to deal with.

“He likes you,” Micah said, as the horse nuzzled her hand.

“What’s his name?” Karina stroked the side of his head.

Micah shrugged. “You want to give him one?”

“He needs a good brushing.” She ran her hand over the tangles in his mane and the matted nap of his coat. “If you have brushes, I can do it.”

Micah laughed. “Okay, I’ll find a brush for your next visit.”

Karina looked over and smiled, comforted by the thought of returning. She stepped down off the railing and gave the horse one last pat on his elegant neck.