CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN – SAFE FOR NOW

Inside, they found some local currency, a prepaid phone, and a note with an address. "A friend of mine runs a boarding house in the old town," Sam explained. "Tell her I sent you. She'll help you get settled." Cassie felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Sam, we can't thank you enough. For everything." Sam waved off her gratitude. "Just promise me you'll be careful. And maybe, when you're settled somewhere safe, drop me a line? Let me know you're okay?" Florian nodded solemnly. "We will. And Sam... thank you. We owe you our lives." Sam clasped Florian's shoulder. "Just live them well. That'll be thanks enough." With final hugs and whispered goodbyes, Sam melted back into the crowd, heading towards the port. Cassie and Florian watched him go, both feeling the weight of his absence. "So," Cassie said after a moment, turning to Florian with a small smile. "What now?" Florian took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Now, we start our new life. Together." Hand in hand, they set off