Just that moment, David strolled back into the room. 

"Come on, I will take you home. I cannot leave you here alone, and you can't walk the streets dressed like that," he said, grabbing his phone from the desk and sliding it into his jacket pocket. Camilla immediately got up and followed David out of the office and down towards the back entrance of the building.

***

Faith  

A surge of relief washed over Faith as the compassionate stranger guided her towards gate 24B. He walked briskly, considering Faith's urgency, while offering words of reassurance along the way.

"Don't worry, we'll make it in time. Just keep following me," he said, his voice confident.

"Thank you for your help. It's nice to know people can still be so kind in this day and age", Faith said.

She clung to his guidance as they weaved through the bustling crowds, her heart pounding in sync with each step.

"Here we are. Let's get sorted." He said. As they reached the gate, the man helped Faith secure her spot in line, ensuring she wouldn't miss her flight. The chaos of boarding settled around them as passengers hurriedly found their seats, stowed away their belongings, and settled in for the journey ahead.

Faith took a moment to catch her breath and turned to the man who had been her unexpected saviour. "I don't even know your name," she said, a genuine smile on her lips.

He chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with warmth and kindness. "I suppose we did forget introductions amidst the chaos. I'm Alex," he replied, extending his hand.

Faith shook his hand gratefully. "Thank you, Alex. It's Faith. You have no idea how much this meant to me and how grateful I am for your help." She sat in the seat opposite his row.

Alex's smile widened. "It was my pleasure, Faith. Sometimes, life puts strangers on our path for a reason. I'm just glad I could assist you in a small way. I understand how travelling can be for some people. I travel a lot with my job, you see."

As the queue began to move forward, signalling the imminent departure, Faith felt a bittersweet mix of excitement and trepidation. Leaving everything behind was daunting, but the possibilities that awaited her were exhilarating. She knew she would never have to lay eyes on David or his mother again, let alone Camila.

Closing her eyes, Faith envisioned the life she aspired to create for herself and her unborn child. She dreamed of a vibrant cityscape where the buzzing energy of the streets mirrored the newfound energy within her soul. A place where she could chase her passions, nurture her dreams, and create a loving home for her child.

"Do you have anyone waiting for you on the other side?" Alex asked Faith politely, but he was surprised when she shook her head and gently rubbed her belly. "No, it's just me and my baby, a fresh start for both of us," she replied, mustering a small smile.

"Congratulations, Faith. I'm sure you and your baby will have a good life here in New York. It's truly a great city," he said proudly. Faith glimpsed his fondness for the city in his expression.

"Here's my card, in case you need anything at all," he continued, leaning across to hand Faith the card. She took it gratefully, smiling back at him. This kind of kindness starkly contrasted with David, who had rarely complimented or smiled at her. Suppressing the tears welling up in her tired eyes, Faith took a deep breath. She refused to let him continue to destroy her.

Waking up from her deep slumber, Faith slowly blinked her eyes open, momentarily disoriented by her unfamiliar surroundings. As her senses gradually sharpened, she noticed Alex sitting beside her, engrossed in a book. Stretching her body, she yawned and shifted in her seat.

Alex's eyes flickered up from his book, his gentle smile breaking the silence. "Oh, hello, sleepyhead. You must have been exhausted; you slept for quite a while. We're almost reaching our destination."

A small chuckle escaped Faith's lips as she sheepishly rubbed her eyes. "I guess I needed that rest. Thank you for being here, Alex. Your presence has been a source of comfort during this journey. My ex-husband would never have been so nice as a stranger has been." She said sadly.

Alex closed his book and leaned back, his warm eyes meeting Faith's. "Of course, Faith. Travelling can be overwhelming, especially when carrying the weight of starting afresh and alone. I'm glad I could offer you and your unborn baby some solace. I have been thinking, after my mother passed away, it is just me in this big old apartment. I travel a lot, so I am not always there. So, How would you feel about being my lodger? Until you can find something more permanent?" He asked.