By the time James returned to the lodge, the sky had begun to darken. The long walk back left his legs sore, but his mind felt lighter than it had in weeks. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, dropping his bag by the wall.
"Back already?" Peter asked from his bed, looking up from his laptop.
James nodded. "Yes."
Samuel leaned back in his chair. "So… how did it go?"
James hesitated for a moment before answering. He wasn't used to sharing his small victories. But their eyes were curious, not mocking.
"It went well," he said simply. "Better than I expected."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "That sounds promising."
James sat on the edge of his bed and removed his shoes. "The boy understood the lessons. His mother was pleased. She wants me to come twice a week."
Samuel whistled softly. "That's good news."
James allowed himself a small smile. "She also said she might recommend me to someone else."
Peter grinned. "See? You were worried for nothing."
James shook his head. "I still have to balance everything—classes, tutoring, studying. I can't afford mistakes."
Samuel nodded in understanding. "You're doing this for your family, right?"
James' expression softened. "Yes. For them. And for myself."
There was a brief silence—comfortable, not awkward.
Peter broke it. "You should rest. Tomorrow will be long."
James lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His body was tired, but his thoughts drifted—briefly, unexpectedly—to Hope. He frowned and pushed the thought away.
Focus, he told himself. This is not the time for distractions.
He turned on his side and closed his eyes.
For the first time since arriving at the university, he felt like things—slowly, carefully—might be starting to fall into place.