ISAAC MORANO

**5**

Chapter Five- Chance of Freedom

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Catherine handed Isaac a fresh set of clothes. Her quiet efficiency had been a constant presence over the past few days, and now, as he prepared to leave, Isaac found himself both grateful and somewhat in disbelief.

"Here," Catherine said with a gentle smile, "I figured you'd want to change into something fresh after your shower. It's not much, but it'll help you blend in."

Isaac took the clothes from her, his hands lingering for a moment as he looked at her. "Catherine... I don't even know how to thank you properly. You've done so much for me, and you didn't have to."

She waved a hand dismissively. "You don't need to thank me, Isaac. I did what any decent person would do." Her tone was calm, but there was a warmth in her eyes that told him she genuinely cared. "Besides, the truth needed to come out. Now you can leave without looking over your shoulder."

Isaac nodded, still amazed at her kindness. "I'm not used to people helping me, especially strangers. What you did... it changed everything."

Catherine glanced at him, her expression softening. "We all need help sometimes. I just happened to be here when you needed it."

After he showered and changed into the clothes Catherine had provided, he walked into the kitchen where she had prepared a light breakfast: scrambled eggs, toast, and a glass of freshly squeezed juice. The simplicity of it made him feel grounded, like things might actually return to some kind of normalcy.

As they sat down at the table, Isaac picked at his food, still mulling over everything that had happened. "Why did you do it?" he asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence. "Why take the risk for me, especially with the FBI and the police breathing down your neck?"

Catherine looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "I'm a doctor, Isaac. I help people—that's what I do. But also, I could see that you weren't the criminal they made you out to be. You were hurt, you needed help, and I trusted my gut." She shrugged. "Sometimes you just have to do what's right, no matter the risk."

Isaac smiled at her words, a rare warmth filling his chest. "I'll never forget this. If you ever need anything—anything at all—you call me. I owe you my life."

Catherine chuckled lightly. "Let's just hope you don't have to pay that debt anytime soon."

They finished breakfast in companionable silence, but the weight of Isaac's impending departure hung in the air. He knew he couldn't stay any longer—it wasn't safe for him or for Catherine. But leaving felt strangely difficult, like he was walking away from the one person who had truly understood him in a long time.

As he stood by the door, ready to leave, Isaac looked back at her one last time. "Thank you, Catherine. For everything."

"Take care of yourself, Isaac," she replied softly, her eyes kind but firm. "And stay out of trouble."

With a nod, Isaac stepped out into the world, a free man once again, but forever changed by the kindness of a stranger named Catherine Wynter.

As Isaac reached the door, ready to leave, Catherine stopped him. "Wait a second," she said, disappearing into the hallway for a moment.

When she returned, she held a small handgun in her hand. "Here," she said, holding it out to him. "You can't be too careful out there."

Isaac raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly as he took the weapon. "You really thought of everything, huh?"