Three years later.
Daniel stared at the unfamiliar town through the bus window as it slowly rolled into the small station.
Greyford.
The name sounded ordinary, almost forgettable. That was exactly why he chose it.
A place where nobody knew him.
A place where the past couldn't follow.
The bus came to a stop with a soft hiss of brakes. Passengers began gathering their bags and stepping into the cold morning air.
Daniel remained seated for a moment longer.
Three years.
Three years since that night.
Three years since the rain, the crash… and Elena.
His chest tightened at the memory, but he quickly forced the thought away.
Thinking about it never helped.
It only brought the same nightmare back.
He stood up, grabbed his small duffel bag, and stepped off the bus.
Greyford was quieter than he expected.
Small streets.
Old brick buildings.
A few shops just beginning to open for the day.
It felt like a town that moved slower than the rest of the world.
Maybe that was what he needed.
A slower life.
A quieter life.
A life without ghosts.
Daniel walked down the sidewalk, studying the streets as if trying to memorize them.
He had already arranged a small apartment online. Nothing special — just a one-room place above a bookstore.
Perfect for someone who didn't plan to stay noticed.
As he walked, he pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket.
His new ID.
His new name.
Daniel Carter.
Not Daniel Hayes.
That man had died three years ago on a rainy highway.
Or at least that's what he told himself.
The lie had become easier over time.
But sometimes… late at night… he still heard Elena's voice in his head.
Still saw the blood on her face.
Still wondered if things could have been different.
He clenched the paper slightly and shoved it back into his pocket.
No.
That life was over.
He had promised himself something when he left his old town.
He would never look back.
The small bookstore looked exactly like the photos online.
A faded wooden sign hung above the entrance.
"Willow Books."
Daniel walked inside.
The bell above the door rang softly.
The smell of old pages filled the air instantly.
Behind the counter stood an older man with gray hair and glasses. He looked up from a newspaper.
"You must be the new tenant," the man said.
Daniel nodded.
"Daniel Carter."
The man smiled and extended his hand.
"George Willow. I own the place."
They shook hands.
George pointed toward the narrow staircase in the back.
"Your apartment's upstairs. Not big, but quiet."
"Quiet is good."
George chuckled.
"Most people your age don't say that."
Daniel didn't respond.
Instead, he picked up his bag and headed toward the stairs.
Each step creaked slightly as he climbed.
The apartment door waited at the top.
He unlocked it slowly.
Inside was simple.
A small bed.
A desk near the window.
A couch.
And silence.
Daniel stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
For the first time in three years, he allowed himself to breathe deeply.
Maybe this place could work.
Maybe he could finally start over.
Maybe the past would stay buried.
Later that afternoon, Daniel decided to explore the town.
Greyford's main street was lined with small shops and cafés.
It felt peaceful.
Normal.
Exactly the kind of place where nothing dramatic ever happened.
As he walked past a small coffee shop, the warm smell of fresh coffee drifted outside.
Daniel paused.
He hadn't eaten all morning.
After a moment, he pushed the door open.
The café was cozy and quiet.
Soft music played in the background.
Only a few people sat at the tables.
Behind the counter stood a girl around his age, wiping down the coffee machine.
She looked up as he approached.
For a brief second, Daniel froze.
Not because she looked like Elena.
But because her smile carried the same warmth.
"Hi," she said. "What can I get you?"
Daniel blinked, pulling himself back to the present.
"Just coffee."
"Coming right up."
She prepared the drink quickly and placed it on the counter.
"That'll be three dollars."
Daniel handed her the money.
As she gave him his change, she said, "You're new here, aren't you?"
He hesitated.
"Is it that obvious?"
She laughed softly.
"Greyford isn't a big town. New faces stand out."
Daniel nodded.
"Just moved here today."
"I'm Nora."
He paused for a moment before answering.
"Daniel."
She smiled again.
"Welcome to Greyford, Daniel."
For the first time in a long time, something inside him felt… lighter.
Maybe this town really could give him a second chance.
But far away, on a quiet road outside the town, a black car sat parked in the shadows.
Inside the car, a man watched a photograph.
The picture showed Daniel stepping off the bus earlier that morning.
The man smiled slowly.
Then he lit a cigarette.
"Found you," he murmured.