In the end, Samantha finally navigated through the familiar routes on her own, still holding on to the bouquet of flowers Ivan had given her. She had passed a few houses that appeared familiar the minute she saw them, and it made her wonder if the occupants of these homes would recognize her the minute they lay eyes on her. The people of Fernwood had a strict schedule they always targeted during the day, making them less available in their homes, so it didn't surprise her to find the path leading to her old cottage imperceptibly lonely at this hour.
From what she was seeing so far, this part of Fernwood hasn't changed, to her relief.
