Weeks passed, and Jaden’s life started to feel fuller in ways he hadn’t anticipated. He had learned to balance the quiet with the noise, to take moments for himself without hiding behind substances or old habits. The kush was still a part of his life, but it was no longer his crutch. It was just another part of his evening routine, something to enjoy, but not to rely on.

Maya and Jaden didn’t rush back to where they had been, but they found a new rhythm. There were still late-night talks, still moments of quiet understanding. But this time, it was different. Both of them were learning to stand on their own, to find their own way through the mess of life.

One evening, they sat together, a joint between them, a glass of cranberry juice in hand. “I think we’re both where we need to be,” Maya said, taking a sip of her drink.

Jaden nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. “Yeah, I think we are.”

The city outside hummed, the lights flickering in time with their breaths. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t easy. But it was real. And that was enough.