Page 126 of Wells

The Sol House, A Youth Wellness Center. Grand Opening Sunday, Backyard Crawdad Boil

This is the building I used to stop for, the one I imagined transforming into something for kids who needed a place to land. I blink to make sure I'm not dreaming this.

I walk my bike to the fence and lean it against the railing, then climb the steps. The front door is open, light spilling out onto the porch. Music plays somewhere inside, something instrumental and soft.

I knock on the doorframe and call in.

"Hello?"

Footsteps approach, and a man in his forties appears in the hallway. He's dressed in khakis and a polo shirt, and his smile is easy.

"Hi there. Can I help you?"

"I saw the sign. I wanted to see what you've done with the place."

"Come on in."

He steps aside, and I walk into the front room. The floors are refinished hardwood, gleaming under new lighting. The walls are painted a warm cream, and there's a large bulletin board near the door covered in bright flyers.

"I'm Lin Tepple, acting general manager of the Sol House."

I shake his hand.

"Cera Simum."

"Welcome. Have you been watching us transform?"

I look around the room, taking in the clean lines and the careful restoration. It's beautiful.

"Actually, I know the house well. I used to dream of restoring it. But I've been out of the country for the last six months, so needless to say I was surprised to see the transformation. Wow. This is wonderful."

"We're very proud of it. It will be a safe haven for inner-city kids. Free yoga, meditation, crafts, exercise, outdoor play. Mentors who stay."

"Who are we, if you don't mind me asking?”

"The Krewe of Argentum."

I blink.

"Argentum?"

"One of the old New Orleans krewes. They raise serious money for projects across the city. This one is their newest endeavor."

My throat tightens. I press my hands together, unsure where to put them.

Lin gestures toward the hallway. "Let me show you around."

I follow him through the open doorway. The hallway is wide, lined with framed photographs of New Orleans landmarks. Our footsteps echo on the hardwood.

He opens the first door on the right, and I step inside.

The room is enormous. Three walls covered in floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Hardwood floors polished so clean I can see my reflection in them. Natural light pours in from tall windows along the back wall.

"Yoga, barre, and pilates studio."

My hand drifts to the doorframe. I grip the wood and stare at the mirrors. I can see kids in here already. Mats in rows. Small bodies learning to breathe.

"The floor is cork underneath. Better for joints."