In the heart of Boise, Idaho, two neighbors, Clara and Thomas, lived on opposite sides of a quiet street. Clara, a recently retired school teacher, had a love for gardening. Thomas, a young entrepreneur recovering from a failed startup, barely left his home anymore.

Every morning, Clara waved at Thomas through her garden fence, though he seldom responded. One day, noticing the lifeless state of Thomas’s front yard, Clara left a small pot of blooming daisies at his doorstep with a note: “Every patch of earth can bloom again. So can we.”

Surprised, Thomas smiled for the first time in weeks. Slowly, the two began to talk — a few words at first, then longer conversations. Clara shared stories of former students who had failed but found their paths. Inspired, Thomas began journaling again, then sketching, then planning.

Months passed. With Clara’s encouragement, Thomas reworked his business idea into a local community app that helped neighbors connect, exchange skills, and support local businesses. It quickly gained popularity in Boise and beyond.

Thomas often credited his success to a pot of daisies and a kind neighbor who believed in second chances. Clara, in turn, felt her retirement had given her a new student — and a new purpose.