It had been two weeks since they arrived in New York, and in some ways, it felt much longer.
The city moved at its usual relentless pace—yellow taxis weaving through traffic, pedestrians rushing across intersections, the distant hum of sirens blending with the evening wind between buildings. But inside Marian’s small apartment, life had fallen into a fragile, temporary rhythm.
During the first week, Marian finalized everything she needed to do.
She submitted the comprehensive report on the Los Angeles project—the one that had kept her up late for weeks. She double-checked the data, polished the executive summary, and attached every supporting document before hitting send. It felt like closing a chapter.
The next morning, she submitted her resignation.
Her colleagues were shocked.
“Wh
