Today in the CBO
Settlements Today
by Nat Wright-Kowalski
24 August 2303
Sanctuary Hills: A Sanctuary of My Own
I used to despise Sanctuary Hills with a passion, consumed by resentment and bitter memories that had seeped into my heart. The mere mention of its name would ignite a storm of emotions within me, courtesy of one man who had whisked away my beloved sister, Piper, on countless adventures. Nate Howard, the source of my angst, hailed from this very place, and as such, I associated Sanctuary Hills with pain and heartache.
Little did I know that fate had a peculiar way of guiding us toward the paths we least expect. In a twist of irony, it was the remarkable transformation of Sanctuary Hills that would serve as the catalyst for my journey of healing, forgiveness, and ultimately, a newfound appreciation for this remarkable neighborhood.
As my story begins, the notion of a GECK constantly reminded me of my grievances. These "Garden of Eden Creation Kits" were scarce resources capable of fostering lush vegetation in a radiation-free environment. And to my dismay, Nate had utilized one of these coveted GECKs in Sanctuary Hills. How could he have taken something so precious and bestowed it upon a place I despised? Why not in Diamond City, I thought. Why did he get all the power, make all the decisions? Who was this man?
Yet, curiosity eventually overcame my anger, compelling me to visit the very place I had once detested. Sanctuary Hills, nestled just outside the peaceful, scenic Concord, emerged before my eyes as a tranquil haven seemingly untouched by the sorrows of the fallout. It was indeed a Sanctuary in the barren wastes.
Enveloped by the shimmering waters of Warners Pond, a graceful runoff of the Assabet River, Sanctuary Hills exuded an air of serenity that was hard to resist. The old house, once a poignant symbol of my resentment, had been transformed into a magnificent testament to architectural elegance. Beautiful, sprawling houses now adorned the landscape, each exuding a unique charm, effortlessly blending modern design with the neighborhood's rich history.
Beyond the enchanting residential enclaves, a bustling community had taken root. The spirit of rejuvenation had breathed new life into Sanctuary Hills, manifesting itself in an array of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. As I strolled along the newly-paved streets, the harmonious symphony of laughter, conversation, and tantalizing aromas filled the air, eroding the barriers of my resentment one note at a time.
A vibrant marketplace had emerged, adorned with quaint boutiques that displayed an eclectic mix of local craftsmanship and global influences. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the delicious scent of freshly baked pastries. I succumbed to the irresistible allure of one such café, 8 Cups of Joe, finding solace in the warmth of its embrace as I sipped a perfectly crafted latte made of refined tarred silt beans, brahmin milk, and blended bloatfly spit. It may not sound delicious, but I consider it now to be a local delicacy.
The transformation of Sanctuary Hills extended beyond its physical aspects; it had grown into a community bonded by a shared vision of harmony and progress. Nate's love for adventure had permeated the fabric of this neighborhood, inspiring a spirit of exploration and curiosity among its residents. Parks, walking trails, and hidden gems awaited discovery at every corner, inviting one to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and the joys of communal bonds.
As the years passed and I saw all the good Nate had done, my bitterness gradually dissolved into the gentle embrace of acceptance. In place of resentment, I discovered a newfound appreciation for the beauty that can blossom from the ashes of the past. Sanctuary Hills had evolved, just as I had. It had grown and matured, just as I had. It had become a place for me to love, to embrace.
Through my own transformation from bratty little sister to the great Piper to the woman I am today, I came to understand that Nate's actions were driven by his desire to create a sanctuary, not only for himself but for those who would seek solace within its embrace. The GECK, once a symbol of resentment, now represented the transformative power of forgiveness and healing—a testament to the resilience of both land and soul. While some of my bitterness was that only a mini-GECK was used to transform the dull dirt of my old home in Diamond City back to the luscious pre-War Great Green Jewel once known as Fenway Park, I now know that I am lucky to have witnessed these tremendous transformations.
As I sit here today, gazing upon the picturesque landscape of Sanctuary Hills, I can't help but reflect on the lessons it has taught me. I am writing this story within the cozy booths of 8 Cups of Joe, and I can see now that Sanctuary Hills is a place that has risen from the ashes of the wasteland, rejuvenated by the dedication of its residents, and the power of forgiveness. My forgiveness. It is a place where dreams have been rebuilt, and where the scars of the past have been transformed into symbols of hope and resilience. I can see the mansion lying atop where Nate’s dreams of a perfect family living the American dream were shattered by the bombs of 2077. His house now razed like his lost family of his past. I walked past this spot where his long-lost wife, Nora, now rests in what was the Howard backyard.
Nate, too, has risen from the ashes. Old “Blue,” as Piper called him, turned this waste into a paradise of sorts. I find myself drawn here, never wanting to depart. Maybe I am rising from my own ashes, becoming the independent, mature woman I was destined to be. I came here last week and caught the second game of a GBRL double-header between the home Sanctuary Hills Zetans (Lexington) and Walden Pond Poets (Nordhagen Beach). I stayed for the peace of mind.
Sanctuary Hills, once an object of my disdain, has now become a sanctuary of my own. And in this sanctuary, I have found the strength to heal, to forgive, and to embark on my own adventures, alongside the spirit of Nate Howard that forever resides within its bounds.