Silvercity University's auditorium buzzed with energy as George took the stage to speak. At just nineteen, he was already being recognized not just as Mary Green's son, but as a young visionary carving his own path. Today's event was dedicated to youth empowerment, and George's foundation had sponsored dozens of scholarships across Bengue.
As he stood before the crowd, he glanced at the front row—his grandparents sitting proudly, Laura and Stuart Henderson next to them. They'd become family to him, their love never wavering since Mariana entered their lives.
"My mother believed in giving people both roots and wings," George began, voice steady. "And now, it's my turn to pass that on."
Applause erupted.
Later that evening, at home, Lucia handed him a letter. It wasn't just any letter—it was from Mariana.
"I saw your speech. I'm proud of you. You shine brighter than I could've imagined. Keep going. I'll always be cheering for you, even from worlds away."
George smiled softly, clutching the letter close.
He stepped outside, stars glimmering above like silent watchers. "She's still with me," he said under his breath. "Somewhere out there."
Across dimensions, Mariana sat by a campfire, scribbling in a worn notebook. Her mission in this small world was almost complete. But the ache in her chest—her longing for George—hadn't faded.
"You're growing fast," she whispered to the wind, imagining his face, older now, stronger. "Soon... soon, I'll come home."
In the shadows of a cold prison cell, Susana Bredford twisted in her sleep, a smirk forming on her face. She'd heard whispers. George was rising. Mariana was alive. The betrayal burned, and the madness inside her was no longer contained by steel bars.
The world believed she was forgotten.
She was not.