The next morning, the city was quiet as Destiny packed her things. She stood by the hotel window for a while, watching the sunrise pour golden light over the skyline. Her heart was full of gratitude, full of change.
Ethan had texted earlier:
Ethan: "Let me know when you're heading out. I'll drop you at the station."
Destiny: "You've done too much already, Ethan. I'll be fine."
Ethan: "It's not up for debate. I'm coming."
She smiled softly, shaking her head. "He's stubborn," she murmured, slipping her phone into her bag.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Destiny called.
Ethan stepped in, dressed casually but still neat, holding two cups of coffee.
"For the road," he said with a grin, handing her one.
"You're a lifesaver," Destiny replied, taking a sip. "I barely slept last night."
"Excited or nervous?" he asked.
"Both," she admitted. "It's strange. Everything is changing so fast my writing, my life… even how I feel."
Ethan's eyes softened.
"Change isn't always bad, Destiny. Sometimes, it's just life's way of making room for better things."
For a moment, their eyes met, and Destiny looked away, her heart racing slightly.
On the drive to the station, they talked about everything their favorite books, childhood memories, even the kind of food they liked.
"So you don't like spicy food?" Destiny teased.
"Hey, I didn't say that," Ethan laughed. "I just said I almost died the last time I tried Nigerian pepper soup."
Destiny burst into laughter.
"You need to build your pepper tolerance, Ethan. That's part of being an honorary Nigerian."
"Maybe you can be my teacher then," he said playfully.
"Deal," she said, smiling.
The car filled with laughter again the easy kind that came when two people just clicked.
When they reached the station, Ethan helped her with her luggage.
"Promise me you'll text when you get home?" he asked.
"I will," she said softly. "And Ethan thank you. For everything."
"Don't thank me," he said, his voice gentle. "Just keep doing what you love. The world needs your stories."
Destiny smiled, touched by his words. "I'll try."
As she boarded, Ethan waved, and she found herself waving back with a smile she couldn't hold back.
Hours later, Destiny arrived home. The moment she stepped into the familiar compound, her ex-in-laws spotted her.
"Destiny!" her ex-mother-in-law exclaimed, rushing to hug her. "Welcome back, my dear!"
"Mom!" Destiny said, laughing. "I missed you both so much."
"We missed you too, my daughter," her ex-father-in-law said warmly. "How was your trip?"
"It was amazing. Everything went well," Destiny replied. "I even met some new people and got new ideas for my stories."
They all went inside, chatting happily.
"You must be hungry," her ex-mother-in-law said. "Sit down, I'll get you something."
"No, Mom, please sit. Let me help. I've missed your kitchen," Destiny said, smiling.
"Hmm," her mother-in-law chuckled. "You've come back glowing. That trip did you good."
Destiny laughed. "Maybe a little sunshine and new air helped."
"Or someone?" her ex-father-in-law teased with a wink.
"Dad!" Destiny said, blushing. "You both need to stop teasing me."
They all laughed, and the warmth in the room filled Destiny's heart.
Later that night, Destiny was in her room when her phone buzzed. It was Ethan.
Ethan: "Home safe?"
Destiny: "Yes, just finished dinner. Everyone's happy to see me."
Ethan: "I can imagine. You bring sunshine wherever you go."
Destiny: "That's sweet. Thank you."
Ethan: "You know, I miss our random conversations already."
Destiny: "It's been barely a day, Ethan."
Ethan: "Exactly. That's why it feels weird."
Destiny smiled, typing slowly.
Destiny: "Don't worry, you'll still hear from me. Promise."
Ethan: "Good. Because I'm not planning on disappearing."
She laughed quietly, placing a hand on her chest.
After the call, she looked out the window, watching the moonlight spill into her room.
"Maybe this is what peace feels like," she whispered.
She placed her hand on her baby bump.
"We're doing okay, little one. Mommy's finding her way again."
The night breeze carried her words softly through the room, mingling with her smile and the quiet rhythm of hope that filled her heart.