Fresh Air

The city air felt different.

For Tessa, it wasn’t just the freedom of finally walking without chains; it was the smell of roasted corn drifting through the streets, the noise of cars honking, the chatter of people in markets, and the tall buildings that seemed to stretch into the sky. Every detail reminded her that she was far away from the forest of misery and closer to the life she had lost.

Beside her, Mariam clutched the edge of her torn shawl, her eyes darting nervously at ...