Years flowed by like rivers. The children grew strong and curious, their laughter echoing across fields. They climbed trees, splashed in rivers, chased glowing insects at dusk.
Life was not easy, but it was beautiful.
Then one day, everything changed.
Josh's eldest son spotted it first. "Papa! Look!" He pointed at the sky, eyes wide with awe.
A ship. A broken, battered spacecraft, tearing through the atmosphere.
The crew ran to the clearing as the vessel landed hard, smoke billowing. Out stumbled survivors—gaunt, scarred, their eyes hollow from suffering.
"Dear God," Donald whispered. "They're human."
The survivors fell to their knees, crying with relief. "Please… help us. Earth is gone. There's nothing left."
The reunion was chaotic, emotional. Some collapsed in sobs when they realized Elpis had survived. Others simply stared at the thriving camp, unable to believe such peace existed.
That night, both groups sat around the fire. Survivors spoke of Earth's downfall—of ashes, of barren lands, of endless wars.
Jane held her son close, tears in her eyes. Josh wrapped an arm around her. Rose listened in silence, Edward's hand steady in hers.
They all understood then: their home was no longer Earth.
It was here.