Chapter Text
A New Beginning
The sound of train tracks rumbled and vibrated beneath the leather seat.
Feminine fingers gently cascade over the faces of the people she held dearest on lubricated texture.
A photo of her family: Her mother, father, and her best friend, Nia.
She turns the photo over, once again reading the words of encouragement written on the back: Be brave, be true, and carry love. They will be your greatest strength. Keep in touch!
She smiles warmly before sliding the picture into the sleeve beneath her shirt. Her gaze quickly rested on the newspaper that lay on her lap. Circled in red was the section advertising the hiring of builders for Sandrock, her destination.
Before making her journey, she had contacted the man who was hiring and without hesitation, was accepted for the role. It was about time she got out and ventured someplace new. Her parents gave her their full support. Nia was shocked, but she too encouraged her to get out there and build like she always wanted. She didn't bother hiding the pain she felt from her closest friend moving away. She'd miss her surely. But she knew this was what her friend wanted. What she needed. And Nia wasn't going to stand in her way. It was farewell to Highwind, and hello to Sandrock.
Lifa, the newly hired builder holds the paper close to her chest in her moment of blissful silence. Her excitement continued to escalate with each passing second. The train conductor announces that Sandrock is in view. They're almost there. Lifa immediately gazes out the window in awe. Her new home was now in sight. And it was beautiful. How she loved the impending heat of the sun. The warm colors that painted the ground and the sky. The various residents she could build for and bring satisfied smiles to their faces. The possibility of someone catching her eye and finding love. The life that awaited her in the desert oasis.
The train comes to a stop. Lifa hurriedly stashes the newspaper into her pocket as she rises from her seat and joins the line of passengers exiting the train. The moment she steps off, she joyfully breathes in the air that would fill her lungs for the duration of her time there. A mighty exhale of satisfaction and a quick scan of her surroundings gave her newfound determination. This is Sandrock. This is the start of a grand adventure for the new builder.
"Hey!" A bright feminine voice hollered from her left. Lifa's gaze drifted to a lady that rose from a bench, carrying a sign with the name 'Lifa' written on it who was waving to her, trying to get her attention. "Is this you?" she asks politely as she held the sign up.
Lifa nods and begins to approach the girl to greet her.