The next morning, the motel room felt smaller than it had the night before. The reality of our new life settled over us like a cold fog. No more safety nets. No more privilege. Just us, the open road ahead, and the uncertainty of what the future would hold.
Jason was already awake, sitting at the tiny table with a pen and notebook, scribbling furiously. I watched him for a moment, admiring the determination etched into every line of his face. It was infuriating, inspiring, and somehow comforting all at once.
“Morning, Princess,” he said without looking up. “Sleep okay?”
I rubbed my eyes and managed a weak smile. “As good as it can be when reality smacks you in the face at sunrise.”
He finally looked up, smirking. “Welcome to adulting. It’s brutal, but it builds character.”
I groaned.
