A Temporary Beginning in a Strange Land

Lucy sat by the window, her forehead pressed against the cool glass of the airplane. The world outside was endless—just clouds stretching into nothingness, mirroring the emptiness in her heart.

She clenched her hands together, knuckles turning white as she fought back more tears. But the pain was too much.

Everything had been stolen from her.

Her family, once one of the richest in the country, was destroyed overnight. Her parents lay in a coma, her wealth was gone, and worst of all—she didn't even know what had happened to her that night and who it was.

And Nathaniel Cross—the man she once loved—was behind it all.

A choked sob escaped her lips.

She tried to cover her mouth, but the tears kept flowing.

A gentle touch on her hand startled her.

"Dear, are you alright?"

Lucy turned and saw an older woman sitting beside her—perhaps in her late forties, close to her mother's age. Her face was soft, kind, with eyes filled with warmth and wisdom.

Lucy shook her head, unable to form words.

The woman sighed. "It must be something terrible to make such a beautiful young girl cry like this."

Lucy looked down. "I… I lost everything." Her voice was hoarse.

The woman gave her hand a small squeeze. "Life can be unfair, but it always gives us a second chance."

Lucy wiped her tears, but they wouldn't stop falling. "I don't think I'll ever recover from this."

The woman smiled knowingly. "I once thought the same. But you will."

For the rest of the flight, the woman didn't push her to talk, but she stayed beside her, offering quiet comfort.

And for the first time since everything fell apart, Lucy felt a small flicker of warmth.

Arrival in a Strange City

When the plane landed, Lucy hesitated at the exit, gripping her bag tightly.

Where do I go now?

She had no home, no friends in this city.

The woman noticed her hesitation. "Do you have anywhere to stay?"

Lucy bit her lip. "I'll figure something out."

The woman frowned. "Alone? In a city where you know no one?"

Lucy didn't respond.

The woman sighed and adjusted her bag. "I won't force you, but… you can stay with me for now. At least until you decide what to do."

Lucy's first instinct was to refuse.

But where else could she go?

She hesitated. "I don't want to be a burden…"

The woman chuckled. "Nonsense. You remind me of someone dear to me."

Lucy swallowed hard. She had no choice.

"…Alright."

A Temporary Home

The woman's house was normal and warm—a cozy apartment filled with soft lighting and the scent of home-cooked food.

"You must be starving," the woman said, "Sit, I'll make you something to eat," the woman said as she busied herself in the kitchen.

Lucy sat at the dining table, staring blankly ahead. Her tears had dried, but the emptiness inside her remained.

The woman soon placed a bowl of hot soup in front of her. "Eat, dear. It'll help."

Lucy hesitated but took a spoonful. It was comforting.

Lucy hadn't realized how hungry she was until she took the first bite. Warmth spread through her chest.

Tears welled up again, and she lowered her spoon.

The woman noticed. "You've been holding so much in, haven't you?"

Lucy broke down.

The woman pulled her into a soft embrace. "Let it out, dear."

Lucy sobbed into her shoulder.

After a moment, she whispered, "I'll never forget your kindness. I swear I'll repay you one day."

The woman smiled. "Don't think of it that way. Just promise me something—don't leave until you're strong enough to stand on your own."

Lucy nodded.

The woman led her to a simple but comfortable bedroom. "You'll sleep here. For as long as you need."

Lucy sat on the bed, gripping the blanket. "Why are you helping me?"

The woman paused before answering. "Because I just… felt like I had to."

Lucy stared at her, but the woman just smiled and left her to rest.

A New Struggle

The next morning, Lucy woke early and cleaned the entire house as a way to show gratitude.

When the woman—Dr. Evelyn Carter—came downstairs, she looked around in shock.

"You didn't have to do this," she said.

Lucy smiled softly. "I wanted to."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "You were from a wealthy family, weren't you? Where did you learn all this?"

Lucy hesitated. "My best friend Cassie."

Dr. Evelyn nodded approvingly. "She must be a good friend."

But kindness wouldn't feed her forever.

Lucy needed a job.

She spent days searching, but everywhere she went, it was the same.

Men wanted favors. Women looked down on her.

"Such a beautiful girl like you?" One manager sneered. "You should know how things work here."

She refused them all.

Returning home one evening, Lucy threw her bag on the couch and slumped into a chair.

Dr. Evelyn noticed her mood immediately. "Rough day?"

Lucy exhaled sharply. "Everywhere I go, it's the same. They either want to take advantage of me, or they shut the door in my face."

Evelyn folded her arms. "This world isn't kind to young women, especially when they're alone."

Lucy sighed. "I just want to work. To survive."

Dr. Evelyn tapped her chin. "I might know someone who can help you find something decent."

Lucy looked up, hope flickering in her tired eyes. "Really?"

Evelyn smiled. "Leave it to me."