Chapter 9: A Beacon in the Darkness

Ariana

I left a farewell letter to my parents, which is just beside my bed, I don't know if they have seen it or not.

The days wore on as I journeyed through unfamiliar lands, seeking refuge in various hostels along the way. Each night, I found myself surrounded by the laughter and intimacy of loving couples, their affectionate gestures a stark reminder of the companionship I had lost.

In the hostels, I watched as couples shared tender glances and whispered sweet words, their closeness a testament to the warmth of their bond. This relieved my loneliness of traveling alone.

One evening, as I sat alone in the common area of a hostel, lost in my thoughts, a gentle tap on my shoulder roused me from my reverie. I turned to see a couple standing before me, their smiles kind and welcoming. In their hands, they held a small cake, its soft scent of vanilla and sweetness filling the air.

"We noticed you've been alone," the woman said, her voice soft and compassionate. "We wanted to share a lit