After his conversation with Maya, Jaden found himself looking at the world a little differently. It wasn’t instant, and it wasn’t easy, but the thought of change had planted a seed. He couldn’t continue hiding in his apartment, relying solely on the familiar comfort of kush and cranberry juice to dull his senses.

That week, Jaden decided to take a walk. It was a small act, but for him, it was monumental. He put on his jacket, stepped out the door, and into the noise of the city. The world felt different now—louder, more immediate, but also filled with a kind of potential he hadn’t noticed before. He could feel the ground beneath his feet, the air on his skin, the busy pulse of life all around him.

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t just observing. He was present.