Chapter 123

I hesitated, unsure how to answer. There were so many places I'd love to visit, it was hard to choose just one. But then, an image came to my mind, of a warm, tropical beach, with crystal clear water and lush green trees. "Hawaii," I said, the word coming out before I could even think about it. Iskander smiled. "A beautiful choice," he said. "Why Hawaii?"

I thought about my answer, trying to put my feelings into words. "It's a place that seems so peaceful," I said. "A place where you can just relax and let the world wash over you. Where the sunsets are magical, and the stars are brighter than anywhere else. It's a place where you can truly forget about your troubles and just be." I looked up at Iskander, my eyes shining. "It sounds like a dream," he said, and I knew he understood. "It does," I said. "And maybe one day, I'll get to experience it."

Iskander's smile faded, and he shook his head. "I wish that were possible," he said, his tone serious. "But the reality is, it's not