The morning sun rose softly over the hills, painting the sky with shades of gold. Hannah tied her small bundle of clothes, while Rachel carefully packed some snacks for the long trip ahead. Their hearts beat with both fear and hope, knowing the journey might change everything.
At the small bus stop in the village, people gathered, talking loudly as they waited for transport. Hannah and Rachel stood quietly at the corner, each lost in thought. Hannah held her old shawl close, her mind full of Ella. Every sound, every face passing by reminded her of the little girl she had lost.
When the bus finally arrived, Rachel touched Hannah's hand.
"This is it," she whispered.
Hannah nodded silently, her eyes shining with determination.
The ride was long. Dust rose from the dry road, the hot wind rushing through the windows. Hannah looked outside the whole time, her face pressed against the glass. Every tree they passed, every turning road made her feel like she was moving closer to her daughter.
Rachel tried to keep the mood light. She spoke about the city, about her aunt's cafe, and how maybe, just maybe, life would be better there. But Hannah could only smile faintly. Inside, her heart whispered one thing over and over: "Ella, I'm coming for you."
As the city's tall buildings finally appeared on the horizon, Hannah's chest tightened. She had never been this far from home since that day he met David. She didn't know what waited ahead — but she knew she could not turn back.
Rachel's aunt (Catherine), a woman in her early forties with kind eyes and a strong voice, stood outside the cafe as the girls arrived. She hugged Rachel tightly, happy to see her after so long.
But then her eyes shifted to Hannah, who stood quietly behind, holding her small bag.
"Rachel, my dear… who is this with you?" her aunt asked, looking curious.
Rachel smiled softly and held Hannah's hand.
"Aunt Catherine, this is my friend, Grace. She's like a sister to me. She came with me because she also needs a fresh start… and she's going through a very hard time."
Then aunt studied Hannah for a moment, noticing the sadness in her eyes. Hannah lowered her gaze, too shy and too broken to speak.
"Hmm," the aunt finally said, nodding slowly. "If she is your friend, then she is also welcome here. Both of you can stay with me. My house is small, but it is open for both of you."
Tears welled up in Hannah's eyes. For the first time since losing Ella, she felt a little warmth — a stranger's kindness, opening a door for her when the world had shut so many.
Then aunt smiled and waved them inside. "Come, girls. You must be tired from the journey. Let's go home first, then tomorrow you can help me at the cafe."
Rachel squeezed Hannah's hand gently. Hannah whispered in her heart:
"Ella, I will not give up. Even in this strange city, I will keep looking for you."
They reached home and Rachel's aunt, Catherine prepared a meal for them, after a warm meal, Catherine showed them to a small but cozy room. Hannah sat quietly on the bed, her small bag resting beside her. Rachel unpacked a few things, making sure everything was ready for the night.
Once they were settled, Hannah turned to Rachel, curiosity and a little confusion in her eyes.
"Rachel… why did you tell your aunt that my name is Grace? Why didn't you use my real name?"
Rachel looked at her softly, sighing. "I had to, Hannah. We don't know anyone here. I just wanted to make sure you were safe and accepted without questions. Your real identity… it's complicated, and right now, the most important thing is that you're safe and we have a place to stay."
Hannah nodded slowly, understanding but feeling a pang of guilt. "Even though it's just a name, it feels strange… hiding who I really am."
Rachel smiled gently, placing a hand on Hannah's shoulder. "I know. But trust me, it's temporary. Once everything is in place and you're ready, you can be yourself again. Right now, we have to be smart. For Ella."
Hannah took a deep breath, letting Rachel's words sink in. She lay back on the bed, still thinking about her daughter, but a little more at peace knowing they had a plan.
The next morning, the first light of dawn slipped through the small window of their room. Roosters crowed outside, and the city was beginning to wake. Rachel was the first to rise, quickly tying her hair back and folding the blanket. She turned to Grace(Hannah), who was still lying quietly, lost in thought.
"Come on, Hannah," Rachel whispered softly. "It's morning. Aunt Catherine will need our help at the cafe"
Grace sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. She had hardly slept, her dreams full of Ella's laughter and tears. But she gathered her strength, washed her face, and dressed neatly in the clothes Catherine had given them the night before.
By the time they entered the kitchen, Catherine was already busy. She smiled warmly when she saw them.
"Good morning, girls," she said."Today you'll both come with me to the cafe. There's plenty of work, especially since it's the weekend and customers usually fill the place." Let's hurry we are late".
Rachel glanced at Hannah and teased her with a smile,
"Grace, today you officially start your first job in the city. Are you ready?"
Hannah blushed slightly and answered softly,
"I'll try. You're my guide here."
Catherine handed them light work clothes—clean aprons and headscarves. Then the three of them left together. The city streets were already alive with noise: car horns blaring, people rushing here and there, so different from the quiet village.
Hannah looked around in amazement at the tall buildings and busy shops. She whispered to Rachel,
"The city is so noisy… but it feels full of opportunities."
After a short walk, they stopped in front of a building with bold letters that read: Catherine's Cafe. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread greeted them the moment they stepped inside.
As they stepped into the cafe, Catherine went ahead to check on the staff already preparing tables. Rachel gently tugged Hannah's hand and pulled her to a quiet corner, lowering her voice.
"Listen, Hannah…" Rachel whispered seriously, her eyes locked onto hers, "from today, you are Grace. Don't forget that. If anyone asks, even Catherine's customers or the workers here—always say your name is Grace."
Hannah looked confused, her heart tightening.
"But Rachel… why do we need to hide my real name?" she asked softly.
Rachel sighed and held her friend's hand tighter.
"It's for your safety. We don't know who's watching, and we can't risk your real identity being discovered before the right time. Please, trust me."
Hannah nodded slowly, though uneasiness still lingered inside her. She whispered back,
"Alright… Grace it is."
With that, Rachel gave her an encouraging smile, then the two joined Catherine, ready to start their first day at the cafe
Catherine handed Grace a tray and Rachel a broom. "Grace, you'll serve the customers. Rachel, you can help me keep the place clean and assist in the kitchen when needed."
Rachel took the broom, nodding. As she swept the floor, her heart whispered : "Ella, your mama really loves you, she's here with me, wherever you are, she will not stop until she finds you."
Be quick Rachel we have to prepare coffee, milk and snacks for the customers they will be arriving soon.
Okay auntie Cathy , she hurried and went in the kitchen
Meanwhile later as Hannah and Rachel were still settling in, the cafe door swung open and the first customers walked in. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, milk and warm pastries filled the air, wrapping the place in comfort.
Catherine greeted the customers with a welcoming smile before turning to the girls. "Grace… go take care of the second table over there. Serve them well."
Rachel squeezed Hannah's hand reassuringly and whispered, "Remember, Grace."
With caution, Hannah—now introduced as Grace—approached the customers, her voice soft but steady. "Welcome, what would you like to start with?" she asked politely.
The customers smiled, appreciating her respectful tone. Rachel quickly showed her how to take the order and hand it to the kitchen.