I meant to answer you sooner, but the afternoon ran away from me after that meeting ended later than I expected.
I did try the route you suggested for the walk, and it was actually much quieter than the main trail near the park entrance.
I liked that there were a few shaded stretches, so it never felt too warm, and I finally remembered to bring water this time.
The small garden by the bench still has those tall flowers blooming, and I stayed there for a few minutes just to slow down a bit.
Afterward I made tea, put on a playlist that didn’t ask much of me, and folded the laundry that had been waiting all week.
I’m free tomorrow afternoon if you want to go again, and I can bring that book back too.
If the weather turns strange, we can just switch plans and meet somewhere quiet instead.