Episode 2 – A World Unknown
394 Words
Liana dropped her bag onto the small couch in Naomi’s apartment, her body aching from the long trip. The place was cozy, with fairy lights strung along the walls and the faint scent of vanilla lingering in the air. It felt warm, safe—a stark contrast to the overwhelming city outside.
Naomi plopped down beside her, tucking her legs under her. “So… how does it feel? Finally escaping Havencrest?”
Liana let out a small laugh, rubbing her temples. “Honestly? It still doesn’t feel real. One minute, I’m staring at the ocean, wondering if I’ll ever leave. The next, I’m in the middle of the city getting shoved by strangers.”
Naomi smirked. “Welcome to city life. People are always in a rush. You’ll get used to it.”
Liana leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “I hope so.”
Naomi nudged her. “Enough worrying. You’re here, and that’s what matters. Now, tell me—have you thought about what you’re gonna do first?”
Liana bit her lip. That was the question she had been avoiding. She had left Havencrest with nothing but a suitcase and a dream, but no real plan. “I… don’t know yet. I just knew I had to get here. That was the first step.”
Naomi nodded. “That’s fair. But you’ll need a job, right?”
Liana groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Ugh. Reality.”
Naomi laughed. “Don’t worry. I might know someone hiring. There’s this cute little café a few blocks away—Sweet Haven. They always need extra hands. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a start.”
Liana peeked at her through her fingers. “A café?”
Naomi shrugged. “Hey, you gotta start somewhere. Besides, the owner, Mrs. Kim, is super nice. And who knows? You might meet interesting people.”
Liana exhaled. A job. A new life. A new version of herself. It was terrifying but exciting all at once.
“Okay,” she said finally. “Let’s do it.”
Naomi grinned. “That’s the spirit! Tomorrow morning, we’ll go together.”
Liana smiled, feeling a little lighter. Maybe the city wasn’t so scary after all.
Outside, the city lights twinkled like stars, and for the first time, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
- Writer
