Chapter 04

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Five years later, Brenda sat quietly by the window of a sleek, modern train as it sped through the rolling landscapes of Foodtopia City. The world had changed so much since her days as a student and revolutionary. Now, the food-kind society was thriving, with cities like Foodtopia symbolizing the progress they had made. The train hummed beneath her, a testament to the technological advancements that had taken place since the days of the revolution.

Beside her, Teresa del Taco, now her wife, scrolled through her tablet, reviewing the latest updates on her numerous projects. Teresa had become a force to be reckoned with in the world of food-kind technology. What had started as a small startup had quickly grown into a powerhouse that revolutionized how food-kind lived, communicated, and interacted. Her success was undeniable, and last year, she had even been named Time Person of the Year—an honor that cemented her status as one of the most influential figures in the new world.

Teresa glanced up from her tablet, smiling warmly at Brenda. "You okay, babe? You've been staring out that window for a while now."

Brenda turned to face her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking."

"About what?" Teresa asked, setting the tablet aside and giving Brenda her full attention.

Brenda hesitated, her thoughts drifting back to the life she had once imagined with Frank. It felt like a lifetime ago now, but every so often, those memories resurfaced, bringing with them a bittersweet nostalgia. She had made her choice, and she didn't regret it, but there was always that lingering question of what might have been.

"Just... everything," Brenda replied, her smile widening as she took Teresa's hand. "How far we've come. How different things are now."

Teresa squeezed her hand gently, her eyes filled with affection. "We've come a long way, haven't we? But I wouldn't change a thing. We built this life together, and I'm proud of everything we've accomplished."

Brenda nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest as she looked at Teresa. She had been there through it all, supporting Brenda as she navigated her new life, and helping her move on from the past. Together, they had created something beautiful—a partnership built on love, trust, and a shared vision for the future.

The train continued to glide smoothly through the countryside, the city of Foodtopia gradually shrinking into the distance behind them. They were on their way to a retreat, a chance to unwind and recharge after months of relentless work. For Teresa, it was a rare break from her busy schedule, and for Brenda, it was a welcome opportunity to spend time together, away from the demands of their everyday lives.

As they sat in comfortable silence, Brenda's mind wandered back to the night of her graduation, when she had left the town without saying goodbye to Frank. She hadn't seen or heard from him since that day, and she often wondered what had become of him. But the life she had now—with Teresa by her side—was more than she could have ever hoped for. It was a life of purpose, love, and fulfillment.

"You know," Teresa said, breaking the silence, "I was thinking we should expand our program to some of the smaller food towns. Give them access to the same tech we have in the cities. It could really make a difference."

Brenda smiled, her admiration for Teresa growing even stronger. "That's a great idea. You're always thinking about how to help others."

Teresa shrugged modestly. "It's what we've always done, isn't it? Fight for a better world?"

Brenda leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Teresa's cheek. "And we've done a damn good job of it."

Teresa grinned, pulling Brenda closer as the train carried them toward their future. Together, they had built a life filled with love and possibility, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, they knew they would face them side by side.

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