As the glow of the mural lingered in Ella's mind, she found herself reflecting on the power of storytelling and the way it could connect people across generations. The success of the two gatherings had sparked a newfound enthusiasm within the community, and she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The next event was already on her mind, and she wanted it to be even more impactful.

With Lydia, Alexander, and the man in the feathered mask by her side, Ella began planning their next gathering, which would delve deeper into the personal stories of Blackwood’s residents. “Let’s focus on family histories,” she proposed during one of their brainstorming sessions. “We can encourage people to share stories from their grandparents or great-grandparents, exploring how those experiences shaped their lives today.”