CHAPTER THREE – NEW YORK CITY

The next morning, Nia was jolted awake by the sound of frantic screaming. "Nia! Nia! Wake up! There's a horde of clowns coming for us!" Nia's eyes flew open, her heart racing, only to find Maria standing over her bed, grinning mischievously. "Maria!" Nia exclaimed, throwing a pillow at her friend. "I can't believe you still do that!" Maria dodged the pillow, laughing. "Come on, sleepyhead. We've got a big day ahead of us. Time to reacquaint you with the city that never sleeps!" As they stepped out onto the bustling streets of New York, Nia felt a wave of disorientation wash over her. The city she once knew like the back of her hand now seemed foreign and overwhelming. "Wow," Nia breathed, taking in the towering skyscrapers that hadn't been there three years ago. "Everything's so... different." Maria nodded, linking her arm through Nia's. "A lot can change in three years. But don't worry, I'll be your tour guide." They made their way through the crowded sidewalks, Maria pointing out new landmarks and changes along the way. As they passed a newly renovated park, Nia's eyes widened. "Is this... Washington Square Park?" she asked incredulously. Maria grinned. "Yep! They finished the renovation last year. Pretty nice, huh?" Nia nodded, taking in the lush greenery and modern sculptures that now dotted the landscape. "It's beautiful, but... I barely recognize it." As they continued their walk, Maria's enthusiasm was infectious. She pointed out trendy new cafes, art installations, and boutique shops that had sprung up in place of old familiar storefronts. "Oh, and you've got to see this," Maria said excitedly, tugging Nia along. They rounded a corner, and Nia found herself staring up at a massive, futuristic-looking campus. "What is this place?" Nia asked, awestruck by the sleek buildings and bustling crowds of young professionals. "This," Maria said with a flourish, "is the new tech hub. Some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley have set up shop here. It's completely transformed this part of the city." As they walked through the area, Nia couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. The city had moved on without her, evolving and growing while she had been stuck in time. Later, they stopped by a coffee shop that Nia used to frequent. As they entered, Nia's eyes scanned the room, hoping to see a familiar face. But the staff had all changed, and no one gave her a second glance. "Two lattes, please," Maria ordered at the counter. Nia stood back, feeling like a ghost in a place that used to be so familiar. As they sat down with their drinks, Maria leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, have you heard about Colossius Tech?" Nia shook her head, sipping her latte. "Oh my god, where have you been?" Maria exclaimed, then immediately cringed at her poor choice of words. "Sorry, I didn't mean... Anyway, Colossius Tech is this amazing company that's taken the tech world by storm. They've revolutionized everything from smartphones to home automation." Nia listened half-heartedly as Maria gushed about the company's innovations. Her mind wandered, thinking about how much she had missed, how far behind she now was. "...and their AI technology is just mind-blowing," Maria was saying. "They're talking about integrating it into every aspect of daily life. Can you imagine?" Nia nodded, trying to show interest. "Sounds impressive." "Oh, it is," Maria assured her. "And the best part is, they're headquartered right here in New York. In fact..." She stood up, guiding Nia to the window. "See that building there?" Nia's gaze followed Maria's pointing finger to a gleaming skyscraper that dominated the skyline. The building seemed to touch the clouds, its glass exterior reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display. "That's Colossius Tech's headquarters," Maria said proudly, as if she had some personal stake in the company. Nia stared up at the building, feeling small and insignificant. It was a stark reminder of how much the world had progressed while she had been trapped in a cell. The rest of the day was a whirlwind of activity. Maria, determined to show Nia a good time, took her to some of the city's newest attractions. They visited a virtual reality arcade, where Nia fumbled with the unfamiliar technology while Maria laughed good-naturedly. They explored a pop-up museum featuring interactive art installations, and even took a ride on one of the city's new self-driving buses. As the sun began to set, they found themselves walking along the High Line, a elevated park built on an old railway line. The park had been partially completed when Nia went to prison, but now it stretched for miles, offering a unique perspective of the city. Nia leaned against the railing, looking out over the city she once knew so well. The lights were coming on, transforming the skyline into a glittering wonderland. But instead of feeling awe, Nia felt a deep sense of disconnection. "You okay?" Maria asked, noticing Nia's pensive mood. Nia sighed, turning to face her friend. "I don't know, Maria. It's all so... overwhelming. Everything's changed so much. I feel like I don't belong here anymore." Maria's face softened with understanding. "Oh, Nia. I know it's a lot to take in. But you do belong here. This is your home." "Is it?" Nia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because it doesn't feel like it. Everyone's moved on, everything's different. And no matter how much the city changes, my past is still there, following me like a shadow." Maria put an arm around Nia's shoulders. "Your past doesn't define you, Nia. You've served your time. Now it's time to move forward." Nia shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "But how? How do I move forward when I feel so... stuck? It's like the world has left me behind, and I'm still trapped in that cell, watching life go by without me." "One day at a time," Maria said gently. "You don't have to figure everything out right away. We'll take it slow, okay? And I'll be with you every step of the way." Nia leaned into her friend's embrace, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Maria. I don't know what I'd do without you." As they made their way back to Maria's apartment, Nia couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. The city lights that once felt welcoming now seemed to mock her, reminding her of all she had lost. She wondered if she'd ever truly feel at home again, or if she was doomed to be an outsider in her own life.