“I’ve got a situation with the nature center project. They’re building into a protected wildlife corridor.”
“Consider it mandatory attendance,” Sylvia said, her tone leaving no room for more argument. “Your father wants his sons together for his birthday. All of them, even the forest hermit.”
Henry knew when he was beaten. His relationship with his family was complicated, but he respected his father enough to honor direct requests.
“Fine,” he conceded. “I’ll be there.”
“Six o’clock,” she reminded him. “Love you, grumpy bear.”
The call ended, leaving Henry staring at the ceiling in resignation. Family dinner. Small talk. Hours of pretending to be more sociable than he was while his bear instincts screamed for escape. Uh…
Chapter
Three
Ivy Bright pulledher SUV into the newly graveled parking area of the nature center construction site. She took a moment to enjoy the golden rays lighting up the half-finished structure, wooden beams rising like the skeleton of some great creature coming out of the forest floor. The air smelled of fresh-cut lumber and rich earth, a mix that filled her with new excitement for the nature center project.
Ivy straightened her light green blouse before stepping out of the vehicle. Unlike the rugged construction workers in their heavy boots and worn jeans, she brought a splash of bright energy with her curly brown hair pulled back into two puffs and a smile as warm as the morning sun.
As she grabbed her tablet from the passenger seat, Ivy thought about what she needed to do today. The center meant more than just another Bright Institute project. For her, it showed her personal wish to connect people with nature through learning. Her father Corey had started the institute with that very idea in mind, and Ivy had taken it to heart.
“Morning, Ms. Bright,” called Marco, one of the carpenters who spotted her arrival. He waved a work-gloved hand in greeting.
“Good morning,” Ivy replied, her voice warm and real. “How’s Mia doing with the college applications?”
Marco’s weathered face broke into a proud smile. “She got accepted to Oregon State University last week. Full scholarship.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Ivy exclaimed, truly happy for him. She made a note to mention internship chances at the institute when the nature center opened. “Please tell her congratulations from me.”
This was Ivy’s way, taking real interest in the people around her, remembering the details of their lives that mattered to them. As she walked through the construction site, she greeted each worker by name. Bobby with his new baby girl. Cilia, whose mother had recently moved in with her family. These weren’t just construction workers to Ivy. They were people with lives and stories, all helping to bring her dream to life.
Ronald Vance approached as she reached the center of the site, blueprints tucked under his arm. The contractor looked impressive in his crisp button-down shirt and khakis. His salt-and-pepper hair and confident walk showed his experience, making him the perfect leader for this big project.
“Right on time as always, Dr. Bright,” he said, offering his hand. “Ready for our walkthrough?”
“Absolutely,” Ivy replied, shaking his hand with enthusiasm. “And please, I’ve told you a dozen times to call me Ivy.”
Vance chuckled, unrolling the blueprints across a makeshift table. “Old habits from my university days. Professors demanded proper titles.”
“Well, out here in the dirt, I think we can drop the formalities,” Ivy said with a light laugh. “How are we doing on the timeline?”
“We’re on schedule, possibly even a day ahead.” Vance pointed to different sections of the blueprint. “Framing is done on the east wing, and we’ll start on the roof structures this afternoon. The concrete foundation for the west wing will be poured tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” Ivy nodded, following his finger across the plans. “This is really coming together. I’d love to walk through what we have so far,” Ivy suggested, already moving toward the framed structure. “I’ve been picturing where all the exhibits will go.”
Vance followed, tucking the blueprints under his arm again. “Lead the way, Doctor... Ivy.”
Inside the wooden frame, sunlight streamed through gaps where walls would eventually stand, creating spotted patterns on the subfloor. Ivy moved from space to space, arms moving excitedly as she described her plans.
“This main hall will have an interactive watershed model,” she explained, enthusiasm lighting her face. “Visitors can add ‘pollution’ with colored water and watch how it spreads downstream. It really shows how ecosystems are connected.”
Vance nodded with appreciation. “Smart. Kids especially will connect with that.”
“And over here,” Ivy continued, moving to a smaller space, “we’ll have microscope stations where people can look at soilsamples, pond water, even their own cheek cells. Connecting the tiny world to the visible one helps people understand nature’s complexity.”
As she spoke, the empty frames seemed to fill with her vision.
“The centerpiece will be this rotunda,” Ivy said, stepping into what would become the building’s heart. “We’ll have a massive tree model extending up through the skylight. Different branches will show various local ecosystems, with animals and plants lit up seasonally to show how the mountain changes throughout the year.”
