CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN - RETURN TO AMERICA

The plane touched down at JFK airport with a gentle bump, ending the long journey from Eastern Europe. Karina sighed contentedly as she gazed out at the familiar New York cityscape. She was finally home. John gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, his warm smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Welcome back." Karina returned the smile, though her expression quickly turned pensive. So much had changed since she last set foot in this city. The path had been darker than she ever imagined, but out of the shadows, an incredible gift had emerged - new life and the promise of a future with John by her side. Her free hand drifted to her belly, cradling the slight swell. As they navigated the terminal crowds, Karina felt a strange sense of displacement. But John's comforting presence kept her grounded. Then Karina spotted her parents in the sea of people. Her mom's eyes widened at the sight of her, one hand flying to cover her mouth before she rushed forward and pulled Karina into a fierce