The city lights sparkled as they descended. Neon signs. Billboards. The endless web of headlights snaking through crowded streets. Emily had never seen anything like it.
They stepped off the plane and into the terminal, the city buzzing all around them. Standing by the glass doors was a tall, stylish young woman holding a handwritten sign that read: WELCOME HOME, TROUBLEMAKERS.
"Mom!" the girl called, rushing forward. "You're late!"
Neno opened her arms. "Traffic in the sky," she said. "You must be Lara."
Lara turned to Emily with a bright, welcoming smile. "And you must be Emily. I've heard so much about you. I'm so glad you came."
Emily smiled shyly. "I hope I'm not a burden."
"Nonsense," Lara said, taking her suitcase. "You're family now. And trust me, you're going to love it here."Outside, the city roared with energy. Horns. Music. Laughter. The air smelled like opportunity.
As they rode through the streets to Lara's apartment, Emily pressed her forehead against the car window, watching it all pass by like a dream.
Her hands trembled in her lap, but not from fear. From the quiet thrum of something else. Something unfamiliar and fierce.
Possibility.
This wasn't the end of her story.
It was only the beginning.