Chapter 13: The Passing of the Guard
That autumn, Leo left for Cornell University to study sustainable agricultural engineering and rural land law on a full academic scholarship.
On the morning of his departure, the entire commons gathered by the front gate to see him off.
Mrs. Gable gave him a jar of her award-winning peach preserves. Mr. Cooper handed him a set of precision drafting tools.
Madeline stepped forward, giving her nephew a tight, fierce hug. ""Don't let those Ivy League professors tell you that a spreadsheet knows more than the soil, Leo.""
""Never, Aunt Maddie,"" Leo smiled.
Sarah walked him to the old pickup truck that had once belonged to his father.
Leo looked at his mother, seeing the silver threads running through her dark hair and the gentle, proud lines around her eyes.
""I’ll be back every summer, Mom,"" Leo said, his voice deep and steady. ""The foundation needs an apprentice engineer.""
""You go build your own wings first, Leo,"" Sarah said softly, kissing his cheek. ""The ground here will always be waiting for you.""
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As the truck drove down the gravel lane, kicking up gold autumn leaves, Sarah stood by the open gate with Madeline by her side, watching their future drive out into the great, wide world.
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