The bus shook along the dusty road, taking Ethan and Christiana away from the big house that had been both good and bad for them. They didn't look back, and they didn't need to. What mattered was what was coming next.
Christiana leaned her head on Ethan's shoulder, her hand warm in his.
"Do you think we'll be okay?" she asked quietly.
Ethan looked out at the sunrise, the sky turning gold and orange.
For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was free, not trapped by pity, money, or control.
"We'll be more than okay," he said, his voice sure.
"We'll make our own life. Together."
Christiana gave a small smile.
"Even if it means working hard?"
Ethan turned to her, gently moving a strand of hair from her face.
"I'd rather work hard with you than have all the money without you."
Her eyes filled with tears, not from sadness, but from knowing Ethan meant what he said.
She kissed his hand softly, making sure they both knew their promise was real.
The bus pulled into a little town where people moved slower and smiled more genuinely.
Ethan and Christiana stepped off, carrying only what they needed. The air smelled like fresh bread, and kids were laughing outside.
"This feels… different," Christiana said softly.
"It feels like home," Ethan replied.
In that moment, they realized it didn't matter how rich they were or where they came from.
What mattered was that they had each other, and the courage to start over.
They walked together toward the unknown, their hearts beating as one, ready for whatever life had in store.
For the first time, the future didn't feel scary.
It felt hopeful.