Chapter 6: Picking up the pieces

1 0 0
                                    

With the loan sharks behind bars, Ava and Ethan began the slow process of healing. They moved into a new apartment, away from the memories of the past months. It was a modest place, but it felt like a fresh start.

Ava resumed her studies at NYU, finding solace in her coursework. Ethan sought counseling to deal with his anger issues and the trauma of their ordeal. They both knew they had a long way to go, but they were committed to supporting each other. 

One evening, as they sat on their balcony, looking out at the city lights, Ethan took Ava's hand. "I can't thank you enough for standing by me, Ava. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Ava smiled, squeezing his hand. "We're in this together, Ethan. We'll get through it, one step at a time."

They shared a quiet moment, the weight of the past months beginning to lift. For the first time in a long time, Ava felt a sense of peace. They had faced the darkness together and come out stronger on the other side.

The apartment in New YorkWhere stories live. Discover now