After the initial shock of his release, Jace found himself overwhelmed by the strange new world that awaited him outside the temple. The last time he had walked freely among the living, the world had been vastly different. Now, everything had changed—the people, the structures, even the very air he breathed seemed foreign. It was as if he had been thrust into a dream, and he struggled to make sense of it all.Anita could see the confusion in his eyes as they made their way back to her house. He kept glancing around, his gaze flicking from the towering buildings to the strange, fast-moving vehicles on the streets. The hustle and bustle of modern life seemed to bewilder him, and Anita realized how disorienting it must be for someone who had been isolated for centuries.When they finally arrived at Anita's house, she led him inside, where the familiar warmth and comfort of home greeted them. Jace looked around, his expression a mixture of awe and wariness as he took in the soft furnishings, the electric lights, and the various gadgets that adorned the rooms."This is your home?" Jace asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty."Yes," Anita replied with a reassuring smile. "It's a lot different from what you're used to, I'm sure. But don't worry, I'll help you adjust. You're safe here."Jace nodded, though the tension in his shoulders didn't fully ease. He was grateful for Anita's kindness, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. Everything was so unfamiliar—so alien. He found himself yearning for the simpler times he had known, when the world had been quieter and life had moved at a slower pace.Over the next few days, Anita and her friends did their best to help Jace acclimate to the modern world. They introduced him to the basics—showing him how to use everyday items like faucets, light switches, and appliances. Jace was a quick learner, but each new discovery came with a sense of unease. The world had moved on without him, and he was left to catch up.Anita noticed how Jace would often retreat into himself, his thoughts seemingly lost in the past. She could see the struggle he faced—the tension between his old life and the new world he had been thrust into. She wanted to help him find his footing, but she knew it would take time.One afternoon, as Anita sat with Jace in the living room, she decided to show him something that might spark a connection between his past and the present. She pulled out an old family photo album and began flipping through the pages."These are my ancestors," Anita explained, pointing to a black-and-white photo of a stern-looking man in a suit. "My great-grandfather was a historian, just like me. He spent his life studying ancient cultures and preserving their stories."Jace leaned in closer, his interest piqued. "He looks wise, like someone who understood the world in a way few others did."Anita nodded. "He did. And he always believed that the past and present are connected. That we can learn from those who came before us, just as we can teach those who come after."Jace was silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on the photograph. "It's strange," he said softly. "To see the faces of those who lived long after I was gone. Yet, in a way, they're familiar. The world has changed so much, but the essence of people remains the same."Anita smiled, sensing a shift in Jace's demeanor. "Exactly. The world may seem different, but at its core, it's still the same. People still have the same hopes, fears, and dreams. And you're still a part of it, Jace. You have a place here, even if it takes time to find it."Jace looked at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you, Anita. You've given me more than just my freedom. You've given me a chance to find my place in this new world."As the days passed, Jace began to open up more, asking questions about the modern world and sharing stories from his past. He was particularly fascinated by technology—the idea that people could communicate across vast distances with the press of a button, or that they could travel in machines that moved faster than any horse. Anita showed him how to use a smartphone, though Jace was more comfortable with simpler devices like the landline telephone.One evening, while Anita was cooking dinner, Jace ventured into the kitchen to watch. The scent of spices and sizzling vegetables filled the air, reminding him of meals he had shared with friends long ago. He watched as Anita skillfully chopped ingredients, her hands moving with practiced ease."Cooking hasn't changed much, I see," Jace remarked, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.Anita laughed. "Not really. Though we do have some modern conveniences, like this stove and the refrigerator. But at its heart, cooking is still about bringing people together and nourishing the body and soul."Jace nodded, appreciating the sentiment. He had always enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—good food, good company, and the warmth of a hearth. In that moment, he felt a connection to the present that eased some of his lingering anxiety.As the meal finished, Anita handed Jace a plate and invited him to sit at the table. They ate together, sharing stories and laughter as the evening wore on. For the first time since his release, Jace felt a sense of belonging. The disorientation of the modern world began to fade, replaced by the comfort of friendship and the promise of new beginnings.