Clara and Henry had one daughter, Lucy, who inherited her father’s determination and her mother’s caution. Their small family was close, although Lucy eventually moved three hours away after marrying. Henry missed her terribly but refused to make her feel guilty for building an independent life elsewhere.
After Lucy left home, Henry devoted more time to neighbors and local children. As they grew older, the neighborhood changed around them steadily. The bandstand disappeared, playground equipment was replaced, and mature trees overshadowed familiar paths. Familiar shops closed, apartment blocks replaced old gardens, and strangers hurried past without greeting. Clara missed knowing every family on their street. Henry insisted change was not decline, though she increasingly struggled to believe him as the years passed.