Rick said softly, "It's not just memories."
"The things you learned, the love you put into your work, and how you raised your daughters... Those things lived on!"
"The building may be gone, but you are still here... which means that everything can be put back together."
Margaret looked at him and searched his face. "Do you really think that?"
"I know it."
"You're strong enough to start over because you can survive a dragon attack." Rick held her hand. "And you won't have to do it by yourself."
"The crown is giving money for rebuilding, and I will make sure you get what you need to do it right."
Margaret's eyes were full of tears, but this time they were different. Not hopeless, but hopeful. "You'd really help me?"
"Of course." Rick held her hand tightly. "Tell me what you want."
They made plans for the next hour. Margaret talked about her plans for a new store that would be bigger and better than the old one.
