Chapter 5: A New Foundation
Their new apartment was small, situated on the second floor of a bustling, sunlit building in a neighborhood filled with the sounds of playing children and barking dogs. It wasn't perfect—the floors creaked, and the paint was chipping in the corners—but it felt alive. More importantly, it had a heavy steel door with three locks. The first night, they ordered pizza and ate it on the floor, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes. For the first time in weeks, Leo let out a bubbling, genuine laugh as a piece of pepperoni slipped from his tiny fingers. Sarah looked at Lily, hoping to see a smile. Lily was watching the door. "It's locked, Lil," Sarah whispered softly. "We are safe." Lily nodded slowly, taking a small bite of her slice. It wasn't a victory, but it was a truce with the fear.
