Chapter 37: Epilogue

One Year Later

The sun cast a warm glow over the gathering at Edith and Zain's house, where laughter and chatter filled the air. It had been a year since their last mission together, and life had taken them all on different paths.

Zain's heart raced with nervous excitement as he prepared to propose to Edith. He had spent months planning the perfect moment, and now, surrounded by their friends and loved ones, he knew it was the right time. With trembling hands, he dropped to one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. Tears welled in Edith's eyes as she said yes, sealing their love with a kiss amidst cheers and applause.

Kasey and Sarah, already married for several months, beamed with happiness as they watched their friends' engagement unfold. They had built a beautiful life together, recently sharing the exciting news of an additional baby boy. They felt grateful for the love and stability they had found in each other, cherishing every moment spent as a family.

Cian, now a year sober, had found peace and purpose in his journey of recovery. He had traveled back and forth between Florade and Crocari, finding solace in the beauty of nature and the support of his friends. Though his path had been challenging, he felt a sense of pride in his progress and looked forward to the future with newfound hope.

Montana had welcomed a new addition to his family, another dog alongside Dakota who brought light and laughter into his life, Virginia. With his dogs by his side, he looked forward to building a future with this girl named Callie, and embracing the love that surrounded him. He felt grateful for the second chance at happiness and was determined to make the most of every moment.

Markus, ever the steady presence among his friends, had found success in a small business venture with his brother Sam. Their partnership was thriving, as they had established a popular cafe called "Markus & Bro's Brews," serving coffee and homemade pastries to the community. Markus felt a sense of pride in their accomplishments, grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion and build a legacy with his family by his side.

**Fifteen Years Later:**

The reunion was a bittersweet reminder of the passage of time, as they gathered once again at Edith and Zain's house, now a cherished haven filled with memories and love. The children of the group played in the yard, their laughter echoing through the air as they chased each other in the fading light.

Edith and Zain's family had grown over the years, with three children - two boys named Ethan and Lucas, and a girl named Abby- bringing joy and laughter into their home every day. Their love had only deepened with time, a testament to the enduring bond they shared. They felt grateful for the journey they had shared and looked forward to the adventures that lay ahead. In regards to the agency, it was thriving, Cameron was no longer in office, stepping down after five years, but the government had never been stronger. The team has all either retired or gone on different career paths. Edith is now a prosecutor and sometimes stops by to train new recruits, building herself a legacy of training the best agents in the world.

Kasey and Sarah's family had also expanded, with four rambunctious boys - Liam, Noah, Owen, and Jackson - filling their home with endless energy and love. Their journey together had been filled with laughter, tears, and countless precious moments that they cherished each day. They felt blessed to have each other and looked forward to the future with excitement and anticipation. Sarah was an accountant, and Kasey used his computer skills to work on coding for a major technology company.

Cian had found peace in his dual life between Florade and Crocari, finding fulfillment in helping others on their own paths to recovery. He worked with non-profits to stop gang violence in both countries and held alcohol-anonymous meetings. His journey had been a challenging one, but he had emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. He felt grateful for the love and support of his friends and looked forward to the adventures that awaited him.

Montana had finally found happiness in his relationship with Callie, and they looked forward to building a future together. His days were filled with love and laughter, surrounded by those who cherished him for the kind-hearted man he was. He felt grateful for the love that surrounded him and looked forward to the adventures that awaited him. Montana also stepped by the agency periodically doing background checks on everyone there, while full-time he worked with the government to hack into the dark web and expose criminal activity.

Markus had found success and fulfillment in his business endeavors, proud of the legacy he was building with his brother by his side. Their cafe, "Markus & Bro's Brews," had become a beloved community staple and had spread across the nation, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious offerings. He felt grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion and build a legacy with his family by his side.

As the sun set on their gathering, casting a golden glow over the faces of their loved ones, Edith and Zain looked around at the laughter, love, and shared memories that filled their home. At that moment, surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the embrace of family, they knew that no matter where life took them, they would always be bound together by the enduring bonds of love, loyalty, and the adventures they had shared. And as they watched their children play and their friends laugh, they felt a deep sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought them to this moment, and the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibility.

In the grand tapestry that is humanity, woven with threads of stupidity and grace, we find resilience: the enduring spirit that rises above our flaws and weaknesses.

THE END.

K.M Strunk