The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the deck of the environmental resource center as Maya and Jalen pondered the future. Maya's question lingered in the air, prompting a reflective silence between them.
"I understand your concern," Jalen finally replied, breaking the quietude. "But I think our growth is inevitable, and it's how we manage that growth that matters most."
Maya nodded, considering his words. "You're right. We can't stop progress, but we can shape it. We have to stay grounded in our values, remember why we started this journey in the first place."
Their conversation drifted back to the present, to the challenges and triumphs of their latest project. The green belts were a tangible manifestation of their vision, but they were just the beginning.
