The cave had become both sanctuary and prison.
Packing felt… emotional.
Jas rolled the tarp with careful hands.
Roman counted what little food remained.
Ivy Mae tucked away her herbal remedies—small pieces of knowledge grown in darkness.
The dog stayed close, alert and loyal.
The cat brushed gently against their legs, as if saying goodbye.
“Goodbye, weird little cave,” Ivy Mae murmured.
When they stepped outside, the world felt quiet… but not empty.
A faint golden light stretched across the ash.
Something new was beginning. 🌅