In Her Own Footsteps

XVII

"Passports, luggage, Indigo, and wallets – this should be everything," Aanya announced, her voice resonating in the now-empty apartment.

As she glanced around the barren space, memories flooded back. The last time they had seen their apartment this empty was when they were moving in. It was a bittersweet moment, a culmination of their time spent here. Aanya's gaze lingered on the white walls that once held photographs and artwork. The floors were imprinted with the shape of their furniture that once made the space their home. It had witnessed countless conversations and laughter and had once been filled with their presence, making the square feet within the walls a home. It had been their first home together, the one where they grew as individuals and as a couple.

With a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, Aanya and Connor closed the door behind them, leaving the echoes of their past behind. Indigo meowed from within her large carrier, unaware of the journey she was about to embark on.

"Never thought I'd ever say this, but I think I will really miss this place," Connor said, his voice filled with a touch of sentiment.

Aanya turned to him, a soft smile on her lips. "I know! We used to complain about this shabby little apartment so much... Let's take one last picture here," she suggested, pointing to their soon-to-be-old apartment's number, 910.

Aanya reached for her phone from her back pocket. They stood side by side. Connor held Indigo's carrier up, including their beloved family member in the remembrance. With a click, they captured the final image of Apartment 910, a symbol of their journey together. At that moment, they cherished the memories and the growth they had experienced within those walls. It was a humble beginning, but it had laid the foundation for their grand adventure ahead.

A notification popped up on Aanya's phone; their Uber had arrived. Connor grabbed the two suitcases while Aanya picked up Indigo's carrier. With their backpack carry-on on their shoulders, they headed down the cramped elevator one last time.

"Would you want to move back to Philly when we come back in a year?" Connor asked, his own mind pondering over his question.

Aanya hesitated for a minute, thinking the question over. "Philly has been fun but, I'm not sure. Maybe somewhere a little more peaceful next time?"

Connor nodded in agreement, "I think so too. I would love to see trees again and hear more birds other than pigeons."

They both laughed at the thought. Philadelphia had been a wonderful journey in the last two years but in their time, they both began to outgrow the bustling nightlife and busy days.

"Honestly," Aanya began. "I would love a home that's peaceful like your mom's property."

A month ago, Connor and Aanya had visited Natalie and Dom, Connor's mom and stepdad, at their house—a warm wooden structure tucked away in a private woodland. Natalie had eagerly awaited their visit for over a year and was glad to finally host her son and daughter-in-law. During their stay, Indigo had her own vacation, spending the weekend at Sophie's apartment due to Natalie's three French bulldogs. Natalie had prepared a creamy chicken alfredo for their arrival, with produce freshly sourced from her own garden and warm, homemade sourdough bread. They had spent a lovely and busy weekend together, going hiking in the woods and enjoying their cozy getaway.

Connor's eyes sparkled with fondness as he recalled their time there. "I agree. There's something magical about being surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's so peaceful and rejuvenating."

Aanya nodded, a content smile gracing her face. "Exactly! I could imagine ourselves living in a place like that, reconnecting with nature and finding tranquility."