The lake was quiet.
Not the scary kind of quiet. The healing kind. The kind that felt like a deep breath after years of holding it in.
They all stood there together, shoes kicked off, toes brushing the cool water. The sun was setting, painting the sky in soft orange and pink.
Ava leaned into Ethan's side, her engagement ring catching the light. He wrapped an arm around her, steady and warm.
Kira stood beside Jack, fingers loosely tangled with his. She wasn't smiling big. Just small and peaceful.
Judith sat on the picnic blanket, one hand resting on her belly, the other holding a juice box. She looked tired, but happy.
Miyeong and Yuri stood a little behind them, watching their children like mothers who had finally exhaled.
No one spoke for a moment.
Then Judith broke the silence.
"So… this is it."
Ava turned. "What do you mean."
"This chapter," Judith said. "The crazy one."
Kira smiled faintly. "Good. I'm tired."
They all laughed.
Ava looked around. "I used to think this place was cursed."
"Same," Ethan said.
"But now," Ava continued, "it feels like the place that gave us our ending."
Kira swallowed.
Jack squeezed her hand.
Judith stood slowly. "I want to say something."
Everyone turned.
She took a breath. "I was supposed to be gone. I know that. But I'm here. And this little one is here."
She rubbed her stomach softly.
"And I don't want my child to grow up hearing only about pain. I want them to hear about you guys. About friendship. About choosing each other."
Ava teared up.
Kira walked over and hugged her. Tight.
"You're not going anywhere," Kira said. "We're stuck with you."
Judith laughed. "Unfortunately."
Yuri stepped forward. "You all grew up too fast."
Miyeong nodded. "But you did not break."
Ava turned to Kira.
"You know… I'm glad we stayed best friends."
Kira smiled. "Me too."
They hugged.
Not dramatic.
Just real.
Ethan pulled Jack into a side hug. "You're family now."
Jack smiled. "I know."
Judith rolled her eyes. "This is too emotional. Somebody insult me."
Kira smirked. "You still can't run."
Judith gasped. "I am PREGNANT."
They all burst out laughing.
The sun dipped lower.
They stood there, five souls who had survived what should have broken them.
Ava whispered, "We made it."
Kira nodded. "Yeah. We did."
Jack kissed Kira's forehead.
Judith leaned back on the blanket, smiling up at the sky.
And for the first time in years, none of them were looking over their shoulders.
No past.
No fear.
Just forward.
Just life.
Just love.