Sam's shadow long under the streetlight. He dragged his suitcase, thinking about Valerie, but also knowing that without a place to stay, they couldn't truly start their new life.
Sam walked through several streets, asking about available apartment. Cheap places were few of some were old and worn, others were too expensive. Everytime he knocked on a door or call for asking the price, his heart tightened fearing they would find nothing suitable.
Finally, he found, simple apartment. The walls had cracks, the kitchen was basic, and the bathroom was tiny, but at least it had a roof and a door. He paid the deposit, finally feel relief, as if he had taken the first real step into a new life.
Next, he went to valerie's hostel. When he saw her standing at the door his heart warmed. He gathered his courage and asked, "would you like to stay with me in this small apartment?" Valerie nodded without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with a smile. At the moment, Sam felt all the hardship was worth it.
After moving in, life quickly became changelleging. Valerie had no collage certificate and earned little, and Sam had just started working with a small salary. They decided to split the rent and utility bills evenly, counting every penny carefully.
During the first week, they argued a few times over chores like who would wash the dishes or cook. When buying groceries, they chose the cheapest vegetables and ingredients, sometimes settling for the simplest food. Washing clothes, cooking, tidying the apartment of every same task became important and exhausting.
At night, they sat at their tiny table, holding a freshly boiled cup of water, they talked about work ,dreams and future. They knew life was hard, but having each other made it bearable. Sam reliased this was the life he wanted even thought it was hard, it was a life they owned together.
After dinner, Sam sat at the tiny table, holding the last few bills in this hand. Only a few ten dollars left. He looked at the money, anxious but determined the next month's rent, utilities, living expenses and others.
Whenever, he felt like collapsing from exhaustion, he reminded himself,"This is our choice, and this is out freedom."
he knew there would be more challenges ahead, but with Valerie by his side, he was ready to face them one step at a time.