Chapter 31: New life

As the days passed, Bella and the girls grew more comfortable in their secret home. Bella continued to teach them new survival skills, showing them which plants were edible and how to catch fish in the stream.

The girls were fascinated by Bella's knowledge and skills. They would often ask her questions, eager to learn more about the world around them.

But despite their newfound sense of security, the girls couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. They would often ask Bella if their parents were still looking for them.

Bella would comfort them, telling them that yes, their parents were probably still searching for them. She reassured them that they would be reunited with their families soon.

But deep down, Bella knew that it wouldn't be easy. She had seen the men who had taken the girls, and she knew that they would stop at nothing to keep them captive.

Bella pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment. She took the girls on a walk, showing them which plants were safe to eat. They picked wild berries and fruits, enjoying the sweet taste of their labor.

As they walked, Bella noticed that the girls were becoming more confident. They were laughing and chatting, their faces filled with joy.

Bella smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had helped the girls to heal, to find a sense of purpose and belonging.

As the sun began to set, Bella and the girls made their way back to their secret home. They sat around the fire, roasting their catch from the stream.

The girls chatted and laughed, their faces aglow with happiness. Bella watched them, feeling a sense of contentment.

For the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of peace. She knew that she had made a difference in the girls' lives, and that gave her a sense of purpose.

As they finished their meal, Bella looked at the girls and smiled. "We're going to be okay," she said. "We're going to make it through this."

The girls nodded, their eyes shining with hope. Bella knew that they still had a long way to go, but for now, they were safe.