Ethan looked up and saw a small bird perched on a nearby branch. The bird seemed to be looking directly at him, its beady eyes curious. It fluttered its wings for a moment, then took off into the sky, disappearing into the vast expanse of trees.
Ethan smiled faintly, watching the bird's flight. It felt almost symbolic, as though the bird was urging him to let go of his past and embrace this new life he had been given.
"New beginnings," Ethan muttered to himself. "That's what I have now."
With renewed determination, he stood up and walked back to the camp, where the fire was crackling softly. Iris and the captain were talking quietly, but their conversation halted as soon as they saw him approach.
"You look like you've had a lot on your mind," Iris said gently, her blue eyes studying him with concern.
Ethan nodded, sitting down by the fire. "Yeah. Just thinking about… what comes next."
"Whatever comes next, we'll be here to help," the captain said gruffly, though there was a reassuring warmth in his voice.
Ethan glanced at both of them, grateful for their kindness. He didn't know exactly what the future held, but with the people around him, he felt like he could handle whatever challenges came his way.
The rest of the evening passed in relative peace, with the sounds of the crackling fire filling the silence. Ethan felt at ease for the first time in a long while. Tomorrow would bring its own set of trials and adventures, but for now, he was content to rest, knowing that he had a chance to make something of this new life.
As night settled in, he laid down, staring up at the stars above. The unknown stretched out before him, and for once, he wasn't afraid. He was ready. Ready to learn, to grow, and to become someone stronger, someone who would never have to worry about being a victim again.
Tomorrow, he would take the first step toward his new future.