Prodigal Daughter
Copyright© 2025 by DB86
Chapter 8
Saturday morning, the farmers market was bustling with business and bright smiles. Local farmers, artists, and gardeners filled the square, selling their goods. There were all kinds of booths—some offering herbs, other vegetables, cupcakes, and fresh flowers.
The air buzzed with cheerful music and a warm sense of camaraderie between sellers and customers.
“Good morning, my name is Elise. I’d like to buy a nice basket of fruit,” Elise said to the vendor. “Something not too expensive.”
“Hi, sweetie. I’m Molly Harding. I can help you with that. My husband John grows the best fruit trees around. Lots of variety—fresh, organic, and healthy,” Molly replied, beaming.
Elise picked up an apricot and examined it. “I can see that.”
“Go on, give it a bite. Don’t be shy,” Molly encouraged.
“Mmm, delicious,” Elise said, juice dripping from her chin.
“Here, wipe your chin with this,” Molly said, handing her a paper towel. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.”
As Molly began assembling a colorful assortment of fruit, Elise explained, “I don’t live here. I’m sort of ... stuck here.”
“Oh! You’re the girl who hit Paul and Mary’s fence...” Molly said, recognition dawning.
“ ... and destroyed their garden,” Elise finished. “Yep, that’s me. They call me the ‘garden wrecker.’ Not my finest moment.”
Molly smiled kindly. “We all make mistakes, dear. It’s what we do about them that counts.”
“Well, I’m working on it. Last Saturday, I helped the Olsons with their garden. Today, we’re painting the new fence.”
“That’s sweet of you. Most people would’ve just paid for the damage,” Molly said with a nod.
“I would’ve been one of those people ... but I’m in a delicate financial situation right now. Besides, helping them counts as community service.”
Molly continued arranging the basket. “Paul and his family are good people. I’m sure they understand. Is this basket for them?”
“Yes, it’s a thank-you gift.”
“Oh, then I’ll make it extra nice,” Molly said, smiling. “Their oldest daughter, Sabrina, is a gem. She comes to our farm whenever she can to play with the animals. Wants to be a vet.”
“So, I’ve heard. She’s heading off to college soon.”
Just then, another woman approached the stand and greeted Molly.
“Good morning, Molly. Who’s your new friend?”
“Linda, this is Elise. Linda’s husband, Dennis, works with your father,” Molly said.
Father? Damn, they knew! Elise suddenly felt exposed—everyone seemed to know she was the estranged daughter who had hurt the beloved Paul Olson.
Linda smiled warmly and shook Elise’s hand. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you! Your father and his wife are good friends of ours.”
Linda began sharing stories about Paul, and with each one, Elise’s respect for her father grew. She couldn’t believe how different these women were from her old crowd. Her so-called friends back home had been obsessed with trends, luxury, and subtle insults. These women, on the other hand, were genuine—kind, compassionate, and interested in one another’s lives. Elise realized she’d been missing out on true friendship for a long time.
Another woman named Georgina joined the group, her curvy figure attracting attention. She invited Elise to her yoga class at the community center. A skinny, tall man wearing thick glasses stood beside her.
“Elise, meet my husband, Daniel,” Georgina said.
“Nice to meet you, Elise,” he replied.
Elise shook Daniel’s hand, surprised.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’ll let you ladies chat while I catch up with Rolf,” Daniel said.
“Have fun, love,” Georgina said, giving her husband a hot kiss that made the ladies whistle.
“You married a nerd?” Elise blurted out in disbelief, once he was out of earshot.
“No, I married a wonderful man who adores me,” Georgina said with a frown. “And I love him just as much. You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
Georgina held up a hand. “I know what you meant. Don’t worry. You’re not the first to react that way to my husband. But trust me, I’m the lucky one. Daniel has the kindest heart, a beautiful soul, and he’s so funny. When I’m with him, I can’t help but smile.”
Elise had never spoken about her ex-husband like that. All she’d cared about was how much he earned—and she’d been embarrassed by his frugal lifestyle. Listening to Georgina made her feel shallow.
She was having such a good time, she almost forgot about her community service and lunch with the Olsons.
“Oh, look at the time! I’m sorry, girls, but I have to go. I’m going to be late.”
“Oh, sweetie, promise you’ll come back and visit,” Molly said, handing her the beautifully arranged basket. “We gather every Thursday evening at the community center after yoga.”
When Elise asked how much the basket was, Molly waved her off. “It’s on me. Consider it a welcome gift. Don’t be a stranger, Elise. By the way, Marshall’s stand is just around the corner. You should stop by and say hi.”
Elise nodded and walked away.
Marshall stood behind his booth, arranging vegetables. Justin played with a toy car at his feet. They were so focused, they didn’t notice her approach.
“Thanks for letting me hang out with you and Justin the other day. I had fun,” Elise said.
“Elise! What a nice surprise,” Marshall greeted her with a smile. “My credit card took the biggest hit since I opened the account. Wouldn’t be surprised if Visa calls to flag suspicious activity.”
She laughed. “I guess that makes me the ‘credit card buster’.”
Marshall nodded toward the basket. “That’s a great fruit basket. One of Molly’s?”
“Yes. It’s a gift for the Olson family.”
“They’ll love it. You should come by the farm sometime. Justin’s been asking about you. Just call, and I’ll pick you up.”
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