Years ago, the Keaton family moved into a charming home filled with warmth and comfort after leaving behind a chaotic past. The neighborhood was surprisingly deserted with fewer residents nearby, yet neighbors showed genuine kindness towards each other due to the community’s inherent warmth fostering strong unity among them.
Ruth wakes up every morning at 6 am, gets dressed in her floral print dress, and starts her day by making breakfast for her family. She’s a petite woman with wavy brown hair, bright hazel eyes, and a warm smile. After breakfast, she spends some time tidying up the house, does laundry, and prepares lunch for her husband. She takes pride in her appearance, making sure to wear a pair of heels and a statement piece of jewelry every day.
Before heading to the diner, Ruth carefully applied her makeup, using a light hand to accentuate her features. She smoothed on a subtle bronzer to give her skin a warm glow, applied a swipe of mascara to define her lashes, and lined her upper lash line with a soft brown pencil. For a pop of color, she added a coat of crimson lipstick, carefully shaping the lip line to create a subtle Cupid’s bow.
The sunlight streaming through the diner’s windows cast a warm glow on the worn upholstery as two women, both clad in modest attire, sat sipping coffee across from each other. Their gentle chatter filled the air, a soothing balm for the souls of those around them who had lived through the turmoil of war.
“I’m telling you, Ruth, I feel like I’m just going through the motions,” said Margaret, stirring her coffee with a spoon. “My husband comes home from work, we eat dinner, and then he sits in front of the TV till bedtime. It’s like we’re just roommates.” Ruth nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with understanding. The conversation flowed easily between Margaret and Ruth as they delved deeper into their daily struggles. Ruth spoke candidly about her own marriage, sharing stories of her husband’s infidelities and how she handled them with dignity.
Margaret listened intently, her eyes widening with surprise and empathy. “How do you keep going?” Margaret asked, her voice laced with admiration. Ruth smiled gently, “We’ve learned to adapt, to find joy in the smallest things.” Ruth’s eyes sparkle as she says, “For me, joy is in the quiet moments, like watching a sunrise over the hills, feeling the rough texture of stones, and smelling the sweetness of fresh-baked bread.” Margaret smiles, nodding thoughtfully, and responds, “I’m so glad you shared that with me, Ruth. It gives me food for thought. Will you stay with me a little while longer, just until my shift ends?” Ruth agreed, replying, “Of course, I’ll wait with you.”
The diner starts slowing down, the conversations hush, and the sounds of sizzling pans and steaming coffee fade away. The air is thick with the scent of worn vinyl and old grease. A lone waitress wipes down the counter, and the fluorescent lights above cast a faint hum. It’s early evening, outside, the outskirts of town whispers its own lullaby, a distant melody blending with the soft murmur of last-minute goodbyes. While gathering herself as they part ways, Ruth feels a sense of longing.
As the diner’s warmth faded from her cheeks, she stepped into the crisp evening air, unaware that the shadows dancing across the trees concealed secrets of a hidden grove. Secrets that would soon entwine her husband in a forbidden affair with a ghostly beauty, threatening to unravel the very essence of their existence.
Beyond this post WWII behind the scenes segment, I’ve woven a tale of secrets and mystery in my book series set in the 1940s, where the whispers of the grove come alive. Release Date: 5/30/25
