The house was quiet, with only the faint light of dawn filtering through the curtains. It was April 12, 2045, and Ava stood by the front door, her backpack packed and her camera gear secured. Her heart raced as the reality of what lay ahead settled in. For the first time, she would be embarking on a solo journey without her usual companions—Samera and her brother. A mix of excitement and apprehension churned in her stomach.

Her parents appeared in the hallway, their expressions a mix of pride and worry.

“Are you sure you’ve packed everything?” her mother asked softly. “Your passport, visa, cash?”

Ava smiled, though nerves bubbled beneath the surface. “Yes, Mom. I’ve double-checked everything.”

Her dad stepped forward, holding out a small bag. “Take this,” he said, his tone serious. “Extra batteries for your camera and a backup charger for your phone. Don’t miss anything, Ava. I’m still not comfortable with you going alone.”

Ava chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Dad, I’ll be fine. My location’s shared with you. You’ll know where I am every 15 minutes, remember?”

Her father’s brow furrowed as he glanced at her mother, clearly uneasy. “I know. But that doesn’t stop me from worrying.”

Her mom placed a comforting hand on his arm and smiled at Ava. “It’s normal to worry. But we know you’re ready for this. Just stay in touch, and enjoy yourself.”

Ava stepped forward and hugged them both tightly. “I will, I promise.” She could feel the weight of their love and concern, bittersweet yet reassuring.

As she pulled away, her mother gave one last piece of advice. “Try to sleep on the train. It’s going to be a long journey. And make sure you’re prepared for anything.”

Ava nodded, her thoughts already drifting toward the 7:30 AM train from Indara Station. “I will. I need to head out now. Goodbye, and… I’ll see you in my next video.”

With a final glance at her parents, Ava stepped out into the early morning chill, the air biting against her skin. The streets were still as she made her way to the station, excitement and uncertainty swirling in her mind.

The platform at Indara Station bustled with early travelers, but to Ava, it felt more like the calm before the storm. The 7:30 AM train loomed before her, its sleek design reflecting the dawn’s first light. She boarded and found a seat, the weight of what lay ahead settling in.

The unfamiliar route from Indara to Ruska via Parya stretched before her like a mystery waiting to unfold. The middle station, where she would get off, felt like a gateway to something far bigger than she imagined.

Taking out her camera, Ava quickly recorded an intro: “Hello, everyone! It’s April 12th, 2045, and today, I officially start my solo journey on the newly opened 7,200-kilometer highway. I’m on the train now and can’t wait to show you all what I’ll discover. Wish me luck!”

As the train gathered speed, Ava sank back into her seat. The hum of the engine and the gentle swaying of the carriage eased her frayed nerves. But despite her growing excitement, an uneasy sense of foreboding crept in, like the first shadows that would soon darken her path…