Chapter 19
208words
She abandoned corporate platforms and content moderation. Instead, she established a nonprofit foundation funding young photographers and directors documenting the world's "forgotten corners."
She named her studio "Viewfinder Stars."
Months later, international news played on the studio television.
"...The situation along Eastern Europe's border has suddenly escalated, with large-scale armed conflict imminent. The United Nations has issued its highest-level warning..."
Her young assistant reached for the remote, not wanting the disturbing news to upset Lena.
"Leave it." Lena's voice came from behind him.
She stood there, her gaze locked on the smoke-filled landscape on screen.
Lena removed the dog tag from around her neck—polished to a shine—and held it in her palm. Its metal edges pressed into her skin, yet somehow transmitted a reassuring warmth.
She picked up a new camera from the table, lens already mounted, and checked its settings with practiced hands.
"Sara," she said to her assistant, her voice calm yet resolute.
"Book the flights."
She raised the camera to her eye, framing the bustling New York street outside the window. But through that small square of glass, she already saw the burning stars of another world.
The story is far from over.
