Damon drove through the morning, the familiar route pulling him closer to Santa Monica.
The city signs and coastline came into view, and he let out a quiet breath. "Home," he said to himself, the word carrying both relief and anticipation.
The drive gave him time to make his calls. One by one, he reached out to his friends, letting them know he was on his way back.
Each voice carried excitement, a reminder of the support waiting for him. He even called his mother, her calm tone grounding him as always.
By the time he hung up, the car felt a little lighter, the journey less long.
The streets of Santa Monica stretched ahead, familiar in every way.
Damon adjusted his grip on the wheel and kept driving, the thought of finally being home steady in his mind.
Damon drove through the morning, the highway giving way to the familiar streets of Santa Monica.
When the gates of his community came into view, he slowed and rolled down his window.
