The city was alive in a way Freddy had never imagined. Tall buildings pressed against the sky, cars honked like angry geese, and people moved fast — too fast. Freddy stepped off the bus, gripping his suitcase, his heart pounding. The air smelled of dust, smoke, and something fried from a roadside stall.
His brother, Joseph, waved from across the street. Taller, sharper, and dressed like the city had trained him, Joseph looked different than Freddy remembered. But his hug was the same — strong and reassuring.
"Welcome to the jungle," Joseph said with a grin.
Freddy managed a small laugh, but his eyes kept darting around. The noise, the crowds, the pace — it was dizzying. The village had been quiet. Predictable. This was chaos.
They made their way to Joseph's small apartment — a room with barely enough space for two, but clean and warm. Freddy dropped his bag and sat on the edge of a mattress, staring at the concrete wall.
"You'll get used to it," Joseph said gently. "Give it time."
The next morning, Freddy wore his neatly pressed school uniform and followed the map Joseph had drawn for him. The school was bigger than any place he'd ever seen. Students bustled through the gates, laughing, shouting, rushing. Freddy stood frozen for a moment — unsure where to go, unsure if he belonged.
Then he heard a familiar voice.
"Freddy?"
He turned, and there she was — Maido.
She had changed. Her braids were longer, her eyes sharper, and she wore her uniform with confidence. But her smile — that same warm, calming smile — made the noise of the world fade for a second.
"I can't believe it's you!" she said, touching his arm. "You made it!"
"Yeah," Freddy replied, surprised by how fast his heart was beating. "I didn't know you were here."
Maido laughed. "I've been here a year. Come, I'll show you around."
She led him through the school gates, pointing out classrooms, the library, the field. As she spoke, Freddy realized the fear inside him was melting. He wasn't alone.
Later, in class, he met others: Brain — loud and funny; Sumaya — quiet but observant; Bushrah — bold with curious eyes; Mercy and Genty — always whispering secrets. New names. New faces. A new beginning.
And through it all, Freddy kept stealing glances at Maido — wondering if fate had placed her here just for him.