45. Welcome Home

“Promise me you’ll be fine,” Brenda said, her voice thick with emotion as we stood next to the limo parked in front of her house. Ivan and Kelly were already inside, waiting for me to join them.

“I’ll try,” I said, giving her a soft smile, “but you know you can always come to see me.” We wrapped each other in a tight, comforting hug, neither of us wanting to let go.

“I will,” she whispered, pulling back slightly to look at me. “Please, take care of Kelly.”

“I will,” I reassured her with a nod.

The bodyguard stepped forward, opening the door to the limo. With one last look at Brenda, I climbed inside. She waved as the car pulled out of the driveway, her figure growing smaller as we drove away.

Inside the car, Kelly was curled up next to Ivan, her head resting on his shoulder. Ivan gave me a gentle smile as I settled into the seat across from them. The weight of the moment pressed down on me as the city blurred past the windows, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling in my chest.