Chapter 144: A Brand-New Day

With the constant support of Marie and the close supervision of his physician, John had adapted to his new way of life. Without letting up on his enthusiasm for sustainability, he kept contributing his knowledge to the project from a distance. He took comfort in spending more time with Marie, in living in the present and enjoying life's little pleasures. John looked at Marie one evening while they were sitting on their porch, the setting light creating a warm glow on their cheeks. He had a calm intensity in his gaze. With a sentimental grin on his lips, he said, "Remember when we first met?" With a loving gleam in her eyes, Marie laughed. "How could I forget? You were a cocky inventor, and I was a jaded journalist." The sound of John's laughter reverberated across the still evening. And somehow, he said with thankfulness in his voice, "we ended up here." "Building a life together, fighting for a better future." Marie gave him a tight squeeze. She said, "It wasn't always easy." "We