Chapter 2: NEW DAWN , OLD SHADOWS
One year had passed.
Lucy was no longer the broken girl from college. She had started a center. Its name was "New Dawn". It was for teenagers who were trapped by bad influences, drugs, and fake friendships.
The center was small, but full of hope. The walls were painted white. There were motivational quotes everywhere. And the first person Lucy had helped was Anna.
Anna was now the co-founder. She taught art classes to the students. She would always say, "I was once a victim. Now I am a survivor. And so can you."
Students came and went. Some cried, some healed. Lucy felt proud. For the first time in her life, her pain had a purpose.
But peace never lasts long.
It was a Tuesday evening. Lucy was locking the center when her phone buzzed. It was a news alert.
*"Ella granted parole after 1 year for good behavior."*
Lucy's blood ran cold. Her hands started to shake.
Ella.
The name that had ruined her. The name she had tried to forget.
That night, Lucy couldn't sleep. She kept checking the locks. She kept thinking about the cameras, the court, the confession.
The next morning, a girl came to the center. She was 16. She looked scared. Her name was Maya.
"My friend gave me this," Maya said, and handed Lucy a small packet. "She said it will help me focus on studies."
Lucy opened it. It was the same drug. The same packet Ella used to give.
Lucy's heart sank.
Someone was back in Downfall city. And they were using Ella's old tricks.
Anna saw Lucy's face and asked, "What happened?"
Lucy showed her the news. Anna's face turned pale.
"Do you think... it's her?" Anna whispered.
Lucy looked out of the window. Across the street, a woman in a black hoodie was standing. She was looking directly at the "New Dawn" sign.
The woman smiled. And walked away.
Lucy didn't know if it was Ella. But one thing was clear.
To be continued....................
