Chapter 164: Freedom

At 17:45 Tom headed towards the cluster of bedrooms. The dark tunnels beneath the city wound in unpredictable patterns, but he was starting to get used to the feel of their winding trail. Ellie popped out of a corridor into his path.

"Hey, there!" She said brightly.

"Hi."

"Where are you headed off to so quickly?"

"I was going to take Alex to dinner. I've got the whole thing set up."

Ellie quirked her lips and narrowed her eyes. "Is that so?"

"Yes. I want it to be perfect. We never got a chance to be completely alone and this is finally our chance." He started to push past her.

Ellie grabbed his arm. "You aren't the same person you used to be."

Tom paused. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ellie's rich brown eyes found his. "Both of you have been through so much. Don't forget experiences change a person."

Tom patted her hand. "Thank you for that insight. I don't want to be late."

Ellie shook her head and let him pass.