Author's notes - This is the conclusion the The Escape. Thank you all for reading and all your support. I never thought this little project would actually progress past the first chapter when I started writing. I am thinking about continuing the story of Soto and Ayano Akiyama in a new story that will focus on their life after Ryoba. It would switch between Ayano and Soto's POVs, as well as include flashbacks. It would be mainly focused on recovery and moving forward for both of them. If anyone is interested in seeing this, please let me know.

Epilogue

"Ayano, breakfast!" I called up the stairs, hastily adjusting my tie.

"One minute, Dad!"

"Quickly, quickly, we're running late!" I ran into the kitchen, feeling rather stressed. My alarm hadn't woken me up. It didn't help that I was kept up late last night and I don't generally sleep well. I grabbed a plate that was set on the counter and scrambled over to the table to eat. "Thank you for making breakfast, Mom."

"It's no problem, Soto. You have a good day at work now, ok?"

"Thank you." I nodded in reply as I continued to eat. Ayano walked into the kitchen, holding a giftbag in her hands. "What that, Sweetie?"

"Oh, it's a friend's birthday, so I got her a present."

"That's really sweet of you, Ayano. Eat up so we can get you to school on time."

Ayano readjusted her ponytail and plopped down in a chair with her food. She quickly shoveled it in her mouth, seeming rather content today. I had noticed that ever since we moved in with Mom and Dad, Ayano has been very emotional… Well, emotional for Ayano. She acts similar to most girls her age… it makes me so happy to see her finally functioning normally in a safe environment. Ayano is still her quiet self, but she's been a lot more willing to chat. She talks to us about her friends at school, about manga, and whatever she happens to be watching on tv. Ayano is a good kid, always has been, always will be. I'm proud of her.

Once we finished breakfast, we both said goodbye to Mom and left for school and work. I was able to buy a car with the money I made selling the house and a lot of the furniture in it. Plus I still had a lot in savings. It wasn't enough for a new house, but I would find a way to get Ayano and I our own house soon. For now, we live with my parents, who have been a big help to us. I'm extremely thankful for their help, for having somewhere to go after everything. Not many are as lucky as me.

Once we pulled up to Akademi, Ayano gave me a hug, grabbed her bags, and got out of the car. She waved to me and I waved back as she walked towards the school. I decided to stay and watch her walk inside to make sure she was safe. Along the way, I noticed her stop and talk to some boy with black hair. She seemed nervous, but she gave him the gift bag she had been carrying with her. He accepted it and seemed to be happy with the book inside. They exchanged smiles and walked into the school. I couldn't be more proud of her.