Kalista noticed Thatcher’s first question at the hospital.

Elias stood beside a large display showing the revised rehabilitation plan.

The estimated total had fallen substantially.

Not because the project had become cheaper by magic.

But because the architects had separated necessary repairs from unnecessary redevelopment expenses.

The revised plan preserved fourteen households' homes, provided accessibility improvements, upgraded essential systems, and included contingency funding for unexpected repairs.

Independent engineers had reviewed the assumptions.

Tessa explained the financing.

A mission-driven lender had issued a preliminary conditional financing letter.

Two charitable organizations were considering grants.

Kalista's independently administered support fund could provide a limited contribution without receiving ownership or preferential repayment rights.

And the residents had proposed a small, sustainable maintenance contribution structure, with safeguards for lower-income households.

It still wasn't fully funded.

But the gap had become manageable.

Rebecca raised her hand.

"What about the families who want to leave?"

Tessa smiled.

"They remain part of the negotiations. Nobody loses their right to independently reviewed relocation assistance because other households choose to stay."

Margaret looked at the drawings.

"Will my kitchen still have a window?"

Elias nodded.

"Yes."

"And the little garden behind the building?"

"We plan to keep it."

She smiled.

"Then I want to plant roses."

Laughter filled the room.

Kalista stood near the doorway watching.

Nobody had asked her permission to approve the plans.

Nobody needed it.