We left that awful place far behind us. None of us glanced back once. I knew this wasn’t going to be the last that I would see of it, but right now my mission was to get this story out there. That was the right thing to do. Soon the public was also very invested in our story and what we had to say. We were also able to save Ross’s remains. The four of us agreed that we should move them out to the desert and have him be buried at the camp there. That just felt right. Tyla seemed happy to be home. In her eyes, things were over. She had had her adventure and was glad that it was over. I didn't blame her one bit. She needed a peaceful life. She had already done more than enough. But I knew that there was still so much work to do.

  I had power. There was no denying that. I could put it to good use. It was time to finally make a difference in the world. There would be no more running and hiding. My fear wasn't ever going to get the best of me ever again. That was one of the reasons I couldn't stay. The other was simpler. I would be putting my family in danger. I had put them through enough, Tyla in particular.

  “No, Tyla, not this time. I’m sorry.” Her eyes filled with hurt.

  “Did I do something?”

  “No, it’s nothing like that, Tyla. It’s just…this is my journey, not yours. I’m not mad at you, I-I just think…we are different people, and we need different things.”

  “But we do everything together, Tiffany. We always have. We belong together,” she insisted.

  “You belong here, Tyla. This town, it’s your place and it always has been. I know you love it here, don’t get me wrong. I love it too. This place will always have a special place in my heart. But there’s a whole world out there, a world I haven’t been given any chance to see or understand. I want to explore, Tyla. I want to understand what I have been missing. I’ve spent my whole life feeling trapped, living in tiny corners. I need to find out where I belong. Besides, if I stay here, I might very well put you in danger. You’ve already been through enough because of me, Tyla.”

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  “No! Tiffany, don’t say that!” she burst out.

  “It’s the truth, Tyla.” I reached out to take her hand. “Don’t worry, Tyla. I’ll be okay. Honestly, I feel happier than ever before. I have a new chapter of my life before me, a chapter I’m excited for. I’ll be okay. And you can stay here and take care of this place that you so deeply cherish.” I could see tears forming in her eyes. “Please, don’t cry. This is a good thing. This is something to celebrate, Tyla.”

  “Will I ever see you again?” she asked softly.

  “Oh, Tyla! Of course. I don’t know how often, but I’ll do my best to visit. There are parts of this place I’ll just have to see every once in a while. Our family, the house, Connie’s grave and you. This is only goodbye for now, Tyla.”

  “Do you promise you’ll come and see me?” I squeezed her hand.

  “I promise.”

  “Do you promise you’ll take care of yourself, Tiffany?”

  “I promise. Okay?” She nodded and buried her face in my shoulder.

  “Okay.” I wrapped my arms around her and held her close to me.

  “I know how hard this is for you, Tyla.”

  “What am I thinking about?”

  “You’re reminiscing on times spent together, right?” She nodded.

  “I-I am.”

  “I know change is scary. But we are meant to grow and evolve. We aren’t meant to remain stagnant and still forever.”

  “I know. It will be hard, not having you around. But I’m happy for you, Tiffany. I really am.”

  “I promise I’ll stay for your birthday.”

  “Thank you.” It was hard to believe that another year had gone by. My little baby Tyla was a full-grown woman now. Time flies when you’re in danger, I guess. She had taken the news well, much better than I had expected. We walked back to the house together, hand in hand. I only had another three days to spend with Tyla. I had to make sure that they would be the greatest three days of her whole life.