Understanding Symbolism in Everwood

Read the following excerpt from a fictional novel:

In the small town of Everwood, every day felt like a whisper of the past. The streets were lined with aged oak trees, their branches twisting toward the sky as if trying to touch the memories floating above. Children played in the fading sunlight, their laughter echoing off the cracked sidewalks. However, beneath this idyllic surface lay a sense of unease. Townspeople exchanged cautious glances, as if they were privy to a secret that weighed heavy on their hearts, a secret that threatened to alter the fabric of their close-knit community.

As evening descended, Sarah stood on her porch, gazing at the stars. She wondered if the old tales told by her grandmother were merely stories or if they concealed a hidden truth about their town's past. With a deep breath, she decided to uncover the truth, whatever it might be.