Chapter 2: Departure and New Directions

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange. Grant Ward, now with the experience and knowledge of a drill sergeant, stood in the middle of his room, packing his few possessions into a small backpack. The air was thick with a quiet tension, and he knew his decision was not an easy one.

He had spent the night planning and considering his options. Determined not to become the same Grant Ward that his fate had given him, he decided he needed to leave home. Not only to protect Thomas from possible future abuse, but also to avoid violence and confrontation with Christian.

Grant looked around the room, his gaze stopping at the family photos on the bedside table. The pain and longing for his family hit him, but he knew his departure was necessary. He went to the mirror, adjusted his jacket, and prepared to leave.

As he walked downstairs, he noticed that the house was still quiet, his parents not yet awake. He walked through the foyer and reached the front door. With one last look at the house, Grant took a deep breath and stepped out into the cool morning. The backpack on his back seemed to weigh more with each step he took away from home. He walked through the streets, thoughts swirling in his mind. The city was beginning to wake up, and he knew he needed to find a place to stay. With the help of his tracking skills and his acquired strategies, Grant decided that the best thing to do would be to find a temporary shelter and plan his next move. 

After a few hours of walking, Grant arrived at a small town on the outskirts of his hometown. It was a sleepy town, with quiet streets and a welcoming atmosphere. He found a small motel and decided to rent a room. The motel owner, a middle-aged man with a friendly smile, accepted Grant's payment and handed him the room key. Grant entered the simple room, with basic furniture and a comfortable bed. He placed his backpack on the bed and sat down, exhausted. He knew that he was just starting his new life and that there was still much to do. As time went on, he decided to look for a temporary job to support himself and start planning for his future.

 The next day, Grant was leaving the motel when he noticed a nearby gun and military equipment store. His previous training and experience had allowed him to recognize the importance of having the right tools for any situation. 

He decided to go into the store and talk to the owner. "Hello, young man," said the owner, an elderly man with a friendly expression. "What can I do for you?" Grant smiled and replied, "I'm just looking for some basic tools and equipment. I need to prepare myself for a new beginning."

 The owner nodded in understanding. "Follow me, then. We have a variety of items that could be useful to someone in your situation." Grant began to look through the store's inventory, carefully choosing items that would be useful for his new life. He opted for basic survival gear, self-defense tools, and a few items that could help him in future combat situations. With each item, he felt he was more prepared to face the challenges ahead. 

While Grant was at the store, his mind kept turning to his family. He knew he needed to be in a strong position to eventually make a positive difference in their lives. His goal was to create a new path, one where he could protect and support his brothers without being forced into violent conflict.

With his new equipment and a plan in mind, Grant began looking for work in the city. He landed a job as a night watchman at a local factory. The job was simple, but it provided enough to cover his expenses and allow him to keep a low profile.

Over the next few days, Grant devoted himself to establishing his new life. He spent his time training his physical and mental skills, keeping himself in shape, and honing his combat skills and strategy. He also looked for ways to monitor his family's situation from a distance without arousing suspicion.

Meanwhile, at Grant's house, his son's absence began to be noticed. His parents were worried, but Christian was more relieved than sad. The house seemed a little quieter without Grant, but the tension between the brothers remained a concern.

Grant knew his decision to leave had been difficult, but he also knew it was the only way to ensure his younger brother, Thomas, had a better chance. His mission now was to prepare for a future where he could return, make a difference, and right the wrongs of the past.

Grant's journey was just beginning. With a new identity and a clear purpose, he was ready to leave.