Cosmic Dawn (Where Monsters Rise)

RAYNE WOODSEN

"Morning, Rayne," Chase greeted me softly, his voice still a little rough from just waking up.

I could tell they must've been drained after a whole day spent searching for supplies yesterday.

By the time they returned last night, both he and Gelo had collapsed, barely a word before they fell into a deep, well earned sleep.

I couldn't help but smile at him, a slow, tender smile that I knew would reach his heart. "Good morning, Chase. How was your sleep?"

"It was good, thank God," he answered, stretching his arms with a slight yawn.

"Glad to hear that," I nodded, my eyes still on him, feeling that soft warmth in the air between us. "How about some coffee? I'll make you a cup."

"Sigurado ka?" He raised an eyebrow, a playful hint in his voice as he sat down across from me.

"Of course," I stood up immediately, my steps light and purposeful. "It's the least I can do, after all the hard work you and Gelo put in out there."

He smiled, a small but sincere smile, as he leaned back in his chair. "Don't mention it," he said, his voice rich with warmth. "We do it for all of us."

"Thank you," I said, carefully spooning Nescafe and sugar into the cup. "I'm not great at making this, but I hope it helps wake up your day."

"That's totally fine," he replied, his fingers gently wrapping around the cup as he handed it over to me, careful not to burn himself on the hot liquid. "Ang aga mo rin nagising, no?"

"Oo nga, e," I nodded as I sat back down. "I woke up earlier because of Ate Naomi's little one. He was looking for milk. I made it for him, but then I couldn't get back to sleep."

He raised an eyebrow, concern flickering in his eyes. "I hope you're not too tired, Rayne."

I shook my head with a smile. "Not at all. Sadyang natuwa lang talaga ako sa kaniya kasi he doesn't cry much, just a really calm little baby boy."

"Sounds like you really like kids."

I chuckled softly, sipping my coffee. "Not exactly," I said with a playful grin. "But there's just something about him that feels light, you know? Like he brought a little sunshine into my life."

It's true.

After Harold and the other men left my life, everything just felt lighter. Life became so much easier when I started sharing space with Chase's group. I can't even express how grateful I am to them. They made it so simple to forget those men, whom I had endured for far too long.

And I owe them so much for that.

The pain I went through wasn't easy to bear. There were countless times when I thought I wouldn't make it. But I kept fighting. I kept pushing through because I believe that as long as I'm alive, there's always hope to change the parts of my past that hurt and start anew. What happened before is gone, and there's no reason to keep dwelling on it.

It wasn't always easy, but each step forward felt like a small victory. And now, with people like Chase by my side, I know every day is an opportunity to heal, rebuild, and move forward with the hope that brighter days are ahead.