“I needed a place to unplug. Somewhere not too far, not too crowded. My friend Jenna got a flyer at a teacher retreat and texted me, “This place looks like a Pinterest board.” So we both booked consultations.

It felt good—finally being part of something new, something growing. Education doesn’t pay much, but this made me feel like I had a stake in something that matters. I don’t usually get that.

After I signed, someone emailed me a link to this doctor’s report, saying the springs might be polluted. I skimmed it, but honestly? What am I supposed to do with that? I already paid the down payment. If I panic now, I lose it. And what if it’s all overblown?

I’ve worked in underfunded districts my whole life. You don’t stop a good thing over hypotheticals. You focus on what it gives back. And this place—this place gives me peace. Or it will. Once the noise dies down.”